The Gist:
Tragedy struck an already troubled southwest Atlanta apartment complex, The Hills at Greenbriar, as a shooting on August 30 claimed the life of a 6-month-old boy and left two adults hospitalized. Council member Marci Collier Overstreet slammed the complex’s management and vowed for action.
What Happened?:
On the night of August 30, gunfire erupted at The Hills at Greenbriar on Campbellton Road. Responding officers found three gunshot victims, promptly transporting them to the hospital. A 23-year-old man is in critical condition, a 27-year-old woman is alert and conscious, and a 6-month-old boy died from his injuries.
By The Numbers:
- Over 1,200 calls to 911 from The Hills at Greenbriar this year alone.
- The 6-month-old victim marks yet another life claimed at the complex, which has a history of multiple homicides and dozens of shootings.
Why It Matters:
The alarming frequency of incidents at the complex underscores a severe public safety issue, one that Council member Marci Collier Overstreet says is unmitigated by the property’s new ownership or name changes. “This tragic loss is a heartbreak that no parent, community, or city should bear,” said Overstreet, adding that the property owners will be held liable.
What’s Next?:
Atlanta Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic event, as the community demands urgent action against senseless violence. Overstreet and her constituents are rallying to hold property owners accountable and ensure resident safety.
👮♂️ 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.
About Atlanta: As the capital and largest city of Georgia, Atlanta is home to a diverse population of about 515,000 residents. The city’s educational landscape is strong, with 88% of its inhabitants having completed high school and 49% holding college degrees. With a median household income of $60,000, Atlanta showcases a thriving economy driven by its dynamic community and extensive opportunities.

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.