Cameron Jackson was a happy teenager who loved his family and animals. He was determined to excel at his favorite sport: boxing.
“We had dreams and goals of going to the Olympics in 2024 in Paris,” Zahir Raheem, Cameron’s coach, said Thursday. Kameron was one of two youths shot Nov. 26 on the 17th Street bridge in Atlanta, and he died of his injuries on Nov. 29.
He had turned 15 on Nov. 6.
“I don’t know where we go from here,” said his mother, Tiffany Smith. “But Cameron was my whole world. Now I have to figure out what’s next. That was my baby boy.”
Smith, Raheem and other loved ones gathered Thursday to remember him. Investigators say Cameron was riding a scooter and was targeted in the shooting that also killed Zyion Charles, 12, and injured several others. No arrests have been announced.
The shooting happened after a group was escorted off the Atlantic Station property for violating a 3 p.m. curfew and for unruly behavior. Moments later, shots were fired on the nearby bridge. Investigators said Wednesday they believe video surveillance will identify those who were responsible.
Credit: Miguel Martinez
Credit: Miguel Martinez
Surveillance video a group boarding a MARTA train at the Arts Center station shortly after the shooting, according to police. Video from the train appeared to show the teens gloating and celebrating while riding through the city. Investigators did not release details on why they believe Kameron was the intended target.
Smith said she home-schooled Kameron and doesn’t want his death to be in vain. Gun violence must be stopped, she said.
“As a community, if we don’t come together and get the conversation straight about the real issue that’s going on, we’re going to lose a generation,” Smith said.
Anyone with information is asked to submit a tip to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line by calling 404-577-TIPS (8477), visiting www.crimestoppersatlanta.org or texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637). Tipsters can remain anonymous. On Wednesday, police said the reward has been increased to $10,000 in the case.
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