Who was Laila Harris? Georgia teen fatally shot at high school party attended by hundreds of teens
CLAYTON COUNTY, GEORGIA: Laila Harris, 15, who attended Sprayberry High School in Clayton County was the victim of a shooting during a high school party on the night of December 3, according to information released by Clayton County police on December 4.
According to police, the shooter was allegedly escorted from the property at some point during the night before returning and shooting up the location. They think Harris was one of the hundreds of teenagers who scattered as the gunfire started and was wounded in the crossfire. When police arrived, they said that "hundreds of teenagers were seen fleeing the scene." The party was held in what seems to be an event hall at 1078 Citizens Parkway in Morrow, according to the police, who stated they did not know who hosted it. The shooting took place at around 11 pm on December 3, as reported by 11Alive.
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"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. The party attendees are being urged to come forward with any information they may have regarding the shooter, according to the Clayton County Police Department. No suspects have been identified in the case so far.
"At this time we're asking for assistance from the public, we're asking for anyone to come forward that has any information in reference to this shooting," Julia Isaac with Clayton County Police said at a press conference. "We need your assistance to find justice for Laila Harris."
"Someone at the party should know who he is," Isaac said of the shooter. When police were called to the site, Harris was found with a gunshot wound close to the hall's entrance, according to Isaac. A GoFundMe page was set up with a target of $10,000. The organizer claims that the funds would be utilized to hold a funeral in St Louis. So far, it has raised $5,955.
One of her cousins, Kailyn Crawford, spoke to 11Alive to express the family's sorrow over the tragedy. "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," Kailyn Crawford said. "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."