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Pregnant Mother Gunned Down In Georgia In Front Of Her Toddler Son
"This all began with kids fighting," said Police Chief Cleveland Spruill, describing the death of Auriel Callaway and her unborn child.
A Georgia woman has been charged with one count felony murder and one count of aggravated assault following a fatal altercation that took the life of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.
Kiresa Cooper was taken in to police custody on July 24 in connection to the death of pregnant 24-year-old, Auriel Callaway. Police believe Cooper is responsible for the killing of Callaway on July 22. Police described Callaway as an "innocent bystander."
Callaway had been struck by gunfire while trying to protect her 3-year-old son after a fight broke out between teenagers at an apartment complex in Athens, Georgia at around 9:45 p.m., according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Police arrived to the scene and attempted to revive Callaway but to no avail. Her unborn child also perished as a result.
Callaway's son was not injured during the deadly skirmish.
"This all began with kids fighting," said Police Chief Cleveland Spruill, who described the shooting as a “reckless act of violence [that] took the life of a young mother in her prime as well as her unborn child ... I cannot think of a more tragic circumstance than for an innocent young mother to be gunned down in front of her residence while her young child looked on," according to WSBTV of Atlanta, Georgia.
Spruill added that police intend to arrest many more individuals, as more than one person was firing a gun during the altercation.
A memorial has since been established at Callaway's home. Callaway's uncle, Bryant Gantt, is using the death as a rallying cry.
"It hurts to see this environment turn into what it is," said Gantt, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. "If we could just come together [...] just as a unit, we got to start somewhere. So, we want to start at home first. If we could start at home and try to stop the violence at home, maybe it'll trickle out throughout the country, throughout the nation."
The status of Cooper's legal representation remains unclear. She is expected to face more charges in the future.
Police are asking anyone with information related to the incident, especially video evidence, to contact Detective Scott Black (706-613-3330, ext 798) or Detective Paul Johnson (706-613-3330, ext 522).
