On February 4, 2022, eight-year-old Ronziyah Atkins tragically lost her life in a drive-by shooting while playing outside her home in Belle Glade, Florida. The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. on the 500 block of Southeast First Street. Ronziyah, affectionately known as "Biggs" or "Ziyah," was playing on the porch with her siblings and cousins when gunfire erupted. She was struck by a stray bullet, which was not intended for her. The community was left heartbroken by the senseless act of violence that claimed the life of an innocent child.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for Ronziyah's death. A significant breakthrough came when a cooperating witness helped detectives identify Andrew Thomas, a 20-year-old man, as a suspect. Thomas was arrested in Coral Springs and charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted first-degree murder with a firearm.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was an act of retaliation, as Thomas had been targeted in a shooting three days prior.
Further developments in the case led to the arrest of a second suspect, an 18-year-old man from Belle Glade, who was also charged with first-degree murder and multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder. This individual, who was a juvenile at the time of the crime, was accused of participating in the drive-by shooting alongside Thomas. Evidence, including cellphone data, placed the second suspect near the scene of the homicide just before the shots were fired. Both suspects were found to have been in possession of semiautomatic pistols used in the attack.
The legal proceedings against Andrew Thomas progressed, and in August 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and eight counts of attempted second-degree murder. He was subsequently sentenced to 45 years in prison. The second suspect, who faced charges as an adult, remained in custody awaiting trial. The community of Belle Glade continued to mourn the loss of Ronziyah Atkins, holding vigils and calling for justice for the young girl whose life was cut short by gun violence.
