On the evening of November 22, 2021, a dispute in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta turned deadly, claiming the life of 24-year-old Oquonzzie S. West, an African American male. The incident unfolded around 6:30 p.m. in the 700 block of Park Regency Place, located just behind the upscale Phipps Plaza. According to the initial police investigation, an argument between West and another individual escalated, leading to gunfire.
Tragically, West was struck by the gunfire.
In an attempt to escape the scene, he got into a vehicle but was only able to drive a short distance before crashing. When officers arrived, they found West, who had succumbed to his injuries. A child was also discovered inside the vehicle, unharmed by the violent events that had just transpired. Police indicated that West and the person who shot him were acquainted, suggesting the incident was not a random act of violence.
The investigation into Oquonzzie West's death led to the identification and arrest of a suspect. Leatories Carter, 52 years old at the time, was taken into custody and faced serious charges for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting. The charges filed against Carter included murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Following the arrest, the case proceeded through the legal system, with prosecutors presenting evidence to support the charges. The community mourned the loss of the young man, holding vigils and memorials in his honor while calling for an end to the gun violence that took his life.
