Austell, Georgia — What began as an ordinary summer evening turned into a night of heartbreak and loss for one Cobb County family. A 13-year-old boy was fatally shot on July 21, 2025, while walking with his aunt along Padgett Road. The incident, police say, stemmed from a violent clash between two rival teenage gang members who chose to settle their dispute with gunfire.
According to investigators, the victim, De’Siyah Reed, was not involved in any gang activity. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time when two 14-year-old boys, each allegedly tied to opposing gangs, opened fire near where he was walking. The shots were intended for each other, but one bullet struck Reed in the head, ending his young life instantly.
Authorities later identified the suspects as members of local street gangs. One teen is believed to be associated with a group known as Young Stupid Reckless, while the other has ties to Sex Money Murder. The two reportedly crossed paths that evening, and what began as an exchange of words quickly escalated into deadly violence.
Neighbors described hearing several gunshots ring out in rapid succession, followed by screams and the sound of sirens. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, Reed could not be saved. His aunt, who was walking beside him, was unharmed but left traumatized by the horrific scene.
Cobb County Police officials called the killing a devastating example of how gun violence among youth continues to spiral out of control. “This was a child—an innocent child—caught between senseless acts of violence,” one officer said during a press briefing. “Our community is hurting, and it’s time to hold accountable those who bring guns into our neighborhoods.”
The two 14-year-old suspects were taken into custody shortly after the incident. Prosecutors announced multiple charges, including manslaughter, aggravated assault, gang terrorism under Georgia law, and illegal possession of firearms by minors. Both teens will be tried in juvenile court, though officials have not ruled out the possibility of moving their cases to adult court due to the severity of the crime.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr released a statement condemning the shooting, vowing to use every available resource to combat gang-related violence across the state. “This tragedy underscores the urgent need to confront the growing problem of youth gangs and illegal firearms,” he said. “We must do everything in our power to stop children from killing children.”
Community members have since organized vigils and gatherings to honor Reed’s memory. Local leaders, pastors, and school officials have urged parents to remain vigilant, to talk openly with their children, and to help identify early signs of gang involvement before it leads to irreversible consequences.
As candles burned along Padgett Road in the days following the shooting, friends and family remembered Reed as a bright, kind-hearted boy who loved sports and made everyone around him smile. His death has left a deep wound in the community, one that words can barely begin to heal.
For Austell, the tragedy stands as a painful reminder of the human cost of gang violence — a reminder that behind every statistic is a life full of promise, cut short far too soon. May he rest in peace.