Tori Lang: 18-Year-Old Found Shot In Metro Atlanta Park
The body of Tori Lang, 18, of Lithonia, Georgia, was found in a Gwinnett County park shortly after she vanished on Wednesday, July 28, 2921. Police need your help.
Tori Lang of Lithonia, Georgia, loved to go to Yellow River Park, a beautiful oasis in metro Atlanta’s Gwinnett County.
Tori’s parents sensed that trouble was brewing when the 18-year-old didn't come home Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
Soon after, news reports confirmed that a body had been found at a nearby park. Authorities released information about the deceased Oman’s tattoos to help identify her.
Then, the couple got a call from Tori's best friend. That’s when they knew the worst had happened.
"Her and her friend, they grew up together since elementary school. They got the exact same tattoo. When she saw it, she knew it was my daughter," Lang told local TV station Fox 5.
“The female victim had three distinct tattoos,” Gwinnett police said in a news release. “A heart cross tattoo with the date 8-16-07, pink or reddish in color on the right side of the neck. A tattoo “Faith makes all possible” on the left side of the neck and what appears to be a roman lettering with the date 9-16-2002 on the wrist.”
Responding to a plea of identification from Gwinnett County police, the family was able to confirm the body as that of the 18-year-old from Lithonia.
Tori’s body was found under a tree in the park. First responders determined that she had been shot to death.
Her father, Torrey Lang, and his wife are trying to cope with the tragedy.
"We've got a killer loose, a monster who did this to my baby," Lang told the TV station.
Tori was driving a blue 2012 Nissan Versa with license plate RWU5874. The driver door is slightly damaged.
The car has damage to the driver's side door.
"The driver's door doesn't open. You gotta get in from the passenger's seat," Lang said.
After an intensive search for the vehicle, Gwinnett County Police say Tori’s Nissan Versa was found in a secluded part of the Hidden Acres Nature Preserve in nearby DeKalb County,.
The preserve is near Stephenson Middle School. Tori graduated from Stephenson High School.
“They found the car all burned up,” Lang told 11Alive TV, “which means they were trying to hide it” and any evidence it might have produced.
Because the car was found so close to Tori’s home, her family believes that the killer is someone their daughter knew.
They're hoping the car will help investigators track down the person responsible for taking their daughter's life.
"This demon has to be apprehended. This is the devil. He created hell on Earth for me and my family. This isn't something you get over. This was my only child, my baby," Lang told Fox 5 Atlanta.
A GoFundMe on behalf of Tori’s family says:
In honor of 18 year old Tori Ma’ Shae Lang a beautiful person inside and out, 2020 Stephenson High School honor graduate , and Architectural Engineering student who was unfortunately found murdered in Yellow River Park in the early morning of 07/28/2021. The family is asking for anyone with information on the shooter to PLEASE come forth. You can remain anonymous. But they’re asking for donations of any kind for her memorial and home-going services. The hardest thing for a parent to do is have to bury a child. For these parents it’s even harder for this was their only angel. Understanding the economic crisis we’re facing , anything will be gratefully appreciated and excepted . His-Tori is made everyday with people helping people . May GOD keep & strengthen us all to live and love each other as HE has created us to do . Thanks in advance and GOD BLESS.
Authorities are still investigating this slaying and need your help. Please contact the Gwinnett County police for any information you may have.