On a tragic evening in Atlanta, Georgia, the life of 15-year-old Diamond Nicole Johnson was cut short by gun violence. On May 1, 2021, a large fight among juveniles broke out at a bustling shopping center on Glenwood Avenue, situated across the street from Maynard Jackson High School. As the altercation escalated, gunfire erupted, and Diamond was fatally wounded. When Atlanta police officers arrived at the scene around 9:52 p.m., they found three individuals with gunshot wounds.
While two of the victims were transported to the hospital in stable condition, Diamond Nicole Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the shooting led to the identification and arrest of two suspects. On May 21, 2021, authorities took 31-year-old Elizabeth Parham into custody. She was subsequently charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and cruelty to children in the first degree. Parham was initially denied bond but was later released from the Fulton County jail in June on a $100,000 bond.
Further investigation identified a second individual believed to be involved in the shooting. On October 18, 2021, 18-year-old Tariq Grier was arrested and charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Grier was held without bond at the Fulton County jail. A third person, Tonya Graves, was also arrested on May 22 and charged with making false statements in connection to the case; she was released the following day on a signature bond. The investigation was described as active and ongoing even after the arrests, with police indicating the possibility of additional charges. Friends remembered Diamond as a 'fun and energetic' person who was always smiling.
