Investigators on Tuesday released surveillance footage of a man wanted for questioning in connection with the July 4 shooting death of an 8-year-old Atlanta girl.
Secoriea Turner was killed Saturday evening after gunmen opened fire on her mother’s SUV as she attempted to turn around in a University Avenue parking lot.
The fatal shooting occurred across the street from the Wendy's where Rayshard Brooks was killed by an Atlanta police officer last month.
RELATED: Mourners pray, cops seek answers in 8-year-old's shooting death
Credit: Atlanta Police Department
Credit: Atlanta Police Department
Atlanta police Lt. Pete Malecki said investigators believe the shots were fired intentionally after the Jeep Cherokee that Turner was riding in crossed a “makeshift roadblock that was manned by numerous armed individuals.”
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
“The driver of the (Cherokee) attempted to go around the roadblock, at which point that vehicle was immediately met by gunfire,” Malecki said during a news conference at APD headquarters.
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The car was struck at least eight times, police said. The rising third grader was rushed to Atlanta Medical Center, but died of her injuries.
Investigators believe at least four people were involved in the fatal shooting, police said.
Asked if the armed suspects may have fired on the SUV in self-defense, Malecki said video evidence obtained by investigators suggests that did not happen.
“We’ve also processed that vehicle and there is no ballistic evidence to suggest that occurred,” he said. “We believe at this point, there is going to be a minimum of three additional suspects.”
A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.
“I’m confident that somebody knows the name of this man,” Malecki said, pointing to a video of a man armed with an AR-15. “With a simple phone call, an individual can earn a $20,000 reward being offered through Atlanta Crime Stoppers. In addition, it’s the opportunity to do the right thing.”
On Sunday, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms denounced the violence that claimed Turner's life — arguing it damaged the movement for racial justice and police accountability.
“Enough is enough,” Bottoms said in an emotional news conference at Atlanta police headquarters in which the mayor and Turner’s family urged people to come forward with information.
ALSO: Police ID 8-year-old shot, killed; Atlanta mayor: 'Enough is enough'
“I am just asking you to please honor this baby’s life,” Bottoms said. “Please, if you know who did this, please turn them in. These people are a danger to all of us.”
MORE: Atlanta shooting victim Secoriea Turner was full of joy, feisty spirit
Credit: Family photo
Credit: Family photo
Turner was one of five people killed in shootings over the weekend in Atlanta. More than two dozen were injured.
“That was my baby,” her mother, Charmaine Turner, told the AJC. “This was my only daughter. She was so loving. Her skin just glowed. She was always happy and just full of joy.”
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Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for the cash reward, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
— Please return to AJC.com for updates.
Credit: AJC
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