Southwest Atlanta Shooting Leaves 14-Year-Old Wounded and Hospitalized

I want you to picture this: it’s just past 2 a.m., you’re trying to sleep, and then you hear gunshots right outside your building. That’s what happened early Sunday morning in Southwest Atlanta.

A 14-year-old boy was shot outside the Rosa Burney Manor Apartments, right in the courtyard where kids usually play. Police say he was hit in the back and buttocks. Thankfully, he made it to the hospital alive and conscious.

I’ve been following these incidents for years, and I’ll be honest—this one hits hard. When a child gets caught in something like this, it’s not just another crime stat. It’s a warning sign.

If you live nearby, you probably feel that mix of fear and frustration. You wonder, “Could this happen to my kid? Am I safe walking home at night?” And you have every right to ask that.

Police are still investigating. No arrests, no clear motive yet. But someone fired a gun in a place where people sleep—and that can’t be normal.

What We Know About the Victim

I’ve read through the latest updates, and here’s what’s clear: the 14-year-old shot at Rosa Burney Manor is awake and responsive. According to Atlanta News First, he was conscious when he arrived at the hospital, treated for gunshot wounds to his back and buttocks.

I want you to think about the teenager’s family right now—full of questions, anxiety, maybe even guilt. We don’t yet know whether his identity has been released or if his family has commented, but I’m keeping an eye out.

If you’re in the area, that unwelcome question—“Was that your child?”—could be haunting you too.

Police Investigation and Search for Suspect

Atlanta Police Department’s Aggravated Assault Unit is leading the probe. I haven’t seen details on any suspects or motives yet—no arrests, no arrests called in publicly.

But here’s what I want you to know: investigators were on site long after the shooting, combing for shell casings, surveillance footage, and witness statements.

If you live nearby—or if you heard or saw anything—it could make a difference. APD hasn’t ruled out that someone on-site may have snapped a photo or heard a car drive off quickly. And yes, that anonymous tip line isn’t just talk.

In some places, even elderly residents have become targets—like in this disturbing Greendale case where an 83-year-old was assaulted during a home invasion.

Location History – Rosa Burney Manor’s Crime Reputation

Let me walk you through what I dug up: Rosa Burney Manor isn’t new to police call-outs. Several residents have concerned about recent disturbances, and Atlanta News First recently covered a similar incident in a nearby complex. That suggests these aren’t one-off episodes—they’re part of a pattern.

I checked reviews and local crime maps, and you’ll notice comments like, “Security is lax” or “Police come after damage is done.” That’s not to say the place is inherently unsafe—but it does mean this shooting didn’t happen in a vacuum.

If you’ve lived in a place where safety felt uncertain, how did you deal with it? Drop a comment below—I’m curious how others are navigating this too.

How Officials Are Responding?

Right now, city officials haven’t said much publicly—but I’ll tell you what I’ve seen in patterns like these: if they don’t speak up soon, the silence only adds to the fear.

According to reports, police remained on the scene for hours, and APD’s Aggravated Assault Unit is treating this like a serious, ongoing investigation.

If you’re wondering whether the city plans more patrols or any kind of community reassurance—you’re not alone. I’ve covered enough of these to know that residents often feel like they’re left to figure things out on their own. And frankly, that’s not okay.

I’ve been keeping tabs on updates through local sources, and there’s a WhatsApp news alert I follow that usually catches things even before official reports do. It’s helped me stay ahead of these stories.

Staying Safe – Tips for Residents in SW Atlanta

I know this part might feel heavy, but it matters. If you live in or near Rosa Burney Manor, this shooting might’ve felt too close for comfort.

Here’s what I’d do if I lived there:

• Stick to well-lit areas when you’re out after dark.
• Report suspicious activity—even if it feels small.
• Make sure your kids know not to linger near parking lots or stairwells at night.

You can also contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta anonymously at 404-577-TIPS. They’re not perfect, but your tip could help prevent the next tragedy.

We can’t control everything, but staying alert and connected with your block or building makes a real difference. I’ve seen it work—more than once.

We’ve seen similar cases where people were targeted right inside their homes, like this one in Akron—which makes basic safety steps even more important.

What Happens Next in the Investigation?

From what I’ve seen in other cases like this, here’s what to expect next:

• Police will likely review camera footage from nearby buildings or light poles.
• They’ll re-interview witnesses, especially if someone steps forward anonymously.
• And in the next 48–72 hours, we may hear an update—especially if a suspect is ID’d or caught.

If you live in the area, keep an eye on local updates. Don’t tune it out just because the headline fades. These cases often depend on public pressure to keep moving.

And if something feels off in your gut, don’t ignore it. That instinct might be more important than you think.

In some cases, like this one in Fairfield, arrests happened quickly once public tips started coming in.

Why Youth Violence Needs Urgent Attention?

I’ve been reporting on shootings like this for years. And I’ll say it plainly—this isn’t just about one kid. It’s about the systems failing a whole generation.

When 14-year-olds are getting shot in the back while standing near their own apartment building, that’s not just bad luck. That’s neglect—by cities, by policies, sometimes even by us if we stay silent.

You might be wondering: Why is this happening so often? The truth is complicated. Some of it’s about access to guns. Some of it’s poverty, unstable housing, a lack of youth programs.

But what’s clear is this: If we don’t take youth safety seriously now, we’re going to lose more kids—and more neighborhoods—to violence that never should’ve happened in the first place.

If you’re following stories like this, you might want to check out more real crime coverage on our site. We dive deep—no fluff, just facts and what really matters to your community.

Disclaimer: This is a developing story. The details shared here are based on police statements and media reports available as of June 30, 2025. Information may change as the investigation unfolds.