GEORGIA, ATLANTA: De’Asia Hart, a 19-year-old mother, tragically lost her life a week after being shot during a confrontation near the campus of Georgia State University in Atlanta.
The incident, which unfolded at approximately 5 am on October 27, left three others wounded too. Hart succumbed to her injuries on Sunday, November 5. Her grieving family, advocating for both justice and stricter gun control measures, is now left to care for her one-year-old daughter.
What led to the tragic shooting?
The incident that led to Hart's tragic death occurred due to a heated argument among a large group of individuals, which ultimately escalated into a gun being fired at a RaceTrac convenience store in downtown Atlanta.
Atlanta Police Homicide Commander Lt. Germain Dearlove confirmed that four people, including Hart, were caught in the crossfire. Tragically, all four victims "did not have any involvement" in the initial altercation, Atlanta Police Department reported.
Of the three surviving victims, one male and two females sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. However, Hart's life was cut short, prompting calls for justice and accountability.
De’Asia Hart was a loving mother and aspiring lawyer
Described by her family as a "loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend," Hart was not only a dedicated parent but also an aspiring lawyer with plans to enroll in school during the upcoming spring semester.
“While we mourn the loss of a beautiful young lady, we also celebrate her remarkable life. She leaves behind a daughter whose last time she will see her mother. Her mother can’t tell her ‘Goodbye’ or ‘I Love You’,” her family said.
De’Asia Hart's family calls for justice and gun control
The Atlanta police have released surveillance photos of three persons of interest in the shooting, though no arrests have been made at this time. Hart's family is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
They have also called upon Mayor Andre Dickens to take a strong stance on gun control within the city and demand answers from the police regarding their response to the incident.
“We ask that GSU explain why a patrol car was parked across the street and did not render aid. We ask the city to look into the 911 call center and reevaluate the needs so faster response times and actual calls are being answered,” said her family.
“We need justice for De’Asia. We want justice for everyone who encounters these situations,” the said. A funeral has been scheduled for the upcoming Saturday at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia.
