Short-Term Rental Drawn Into Midtown Gunfire That Killed Teen

Atlanta police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday morning on Barnes Street in Midtown. The victim, James Hampton, was 18 years old. No arrests have been made, and suspects have not been named.

Witnesses describe a chaotic scene that followed a large Halloween party. One resident noted that cars were parked bumper to bumper along the street, with many facing the wrong direction and blocking driveways. The gathering was held at a property operating as a short-term rental. A neighbor said the crowd size was unusual for the area.

Shawanna Johnson, Hampton’s cousin, stated that her cousin was running when he was shot in the back. She described him as a quiet leader and a great kid. Johnson said the family spoke with Hampton shortly before his death. She expressed disbelief at the event.

During the gunfire, a witness reported hearing approximately 20 shots. Another partygoer hid inside the home while bullets flew. A stray bullet struck a vehicle that was parked nearby and unoccupied. By Sunday afternoon, discarded bottles and an abandoned pair of shoes remained on the sidewalk outside the rental property.

The family of the deceased man has called for an end to youth gun violence. Johnson urged young people to put guns down and reconsider their choices. She noted that guns kill people and questioned why young individuals need them. The shooting occurred just one week before the date of this report.