Laila Harris: 15-Year-Old Girl Shot Dead At High School Party In Clayton County, Ga.
Like the other hundred or so teenagers at the party in Morrow, Georgia on this mild December day, Cobb County high school student Laila Harris was just trying to have a good time during a stressful year. Teens from surrounding schools had all gathered at this party, which Laila, who was originally from St. Louis but was going to school in Marietta, was attending. But intruders had other plans.
Around 11 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, “hundreds of teenagers” were at the party, said law enforcement officials.
Soon there was a commotion and one of the teens was asked to leave, but he decided to come back with several others, this time firing “multiple rounds into the building,” Clayton County Sgt. Julia Issac told local media. "He came back with an accomplice, and he shot up the location.”
In the melee, Laila was struck and killed by a bullet. Homicide investigators are now searching for a shooter.
"We need your assistance to find justice for Laila Harris," Issac said at a news conference, directing her message toward the public. She said investigators do not believe Harris was the shooter’s intended target.
Kailyn Crawford, one of the victim’s cousins, told local TV station 11Alive, “"Laila was only 15 years old. She had her whole life ahead of her and that was taken from her due to a senseless act of gun violence. We would just like to spread awareness in regards to gun violence and how it is affecting and taking the lives of the youth in our communities."
Laila’s loved ones are trying to bring her to St. Louis for the funeral. A GoFundMe on the victim’s behalf says:
On behalf of her mother Bridgett Sanders With heavy hearts we request your prayers and any monetary gift would be appreciated in honor of Laila Renee' Harris. Sadly She was tragically killed while attending a Birthday party just doing what any fifteen year old likes to do, trying to have fun, and now we’ve lost her to a senseless act of violence.Any Donations will be put towards Bringing her Home to Saint Louis to be laid to Rest.
The Cobb County School District, which includes Sprayberry High School, where Laila attended, released the following statement:
"Our hearts go out to Laila's family, friends, and the entire community. The loss of a loved one is always difficult, and the holidays make the loss all the more tragic. School and District staff are available to talk to those who need extra support following the sad news," said a district spokesperson.
Clayton County Investigators want to talk to anyone who attended the party and are asking for the public’s help in solving the case.
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