The Gist: On November 28, 2023, Cobb County Police investigated a homicide at Budgetel Inn & Suites in Atlanta, where 26-year-old Demarcus Watson was fatally shot.
The Details: The shooting was reported around 11:43 a.m. at 4900 Circle 75 Parkway. Responding officers found Watson with a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving attempts, he died from his injuries. The Major Crimes Unit of the Cobb County Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation, and the suspect remains unidentified.
In Context: Homicides involving firearms are a critical concern in many U.S. cities. Atlanta has witnessed varying levels of gun violence in recent years, reflecting broader national trends.
What You Can Do: The Cobb County Police Department encourages anyone with information about this case (number 23093250) to contact their Tip Hotline at 770-499-4111.
👮♂️ Gun Crimes in Our Communities: Here are statistics from The Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit meticulously tracking gun incidents.
2023 Statistics:
- Total gun-related incidents: 39,135
- Gun-related deaths (excluding suicides): 18,874
- Gun-related injuries: 36,357
- Mass shootings: 656
2022 Statistics:
- Total gun-related incidents: 42,064
- Gun-related deaths (excluding suicides): 20,200
- Gun-related injuries: 38,500
- Mass shootings: 647
While firearm deaths and injuries saw a slight decline compared to previous years, mass shootings continued to rise, with 2023 surpassing 650 incidents. This underscores the continued severity of gun violence in the U.S.
To Be Clear: These aren’t just digits on a page. Each statistic represents a life affected, a community shaken.
Thom Chandler
Thom Chandler is the editor of The Georgia Sun and has been writing, editing and managing websites and blogs since 1995. He is a lifelong Georgian and one of those increasingly rare Atlanta natives.
