In a heartbreaking turn of events on a Thursday evening in southwest Atlanta, 12-year-old Ja-Nylen Greggs, a male, was fatally shot, an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of a dispute that was not his own. The incident, which occurred on June 12, 2025, unfolded at an apartment complex on Cushman Circle where Ja-Nylen was simply playing outside.
He had just celebrated his twelfth birthday with a block party only days before the tragic shooting.
That evening, an argument between two groups escalated into violence. One group retreated to a blue car and, as they drove away, opened fire on the other group. It was during this exchange of gunfire that Ja-Nylen was struck. Despite being gravely wounded, he tried to run home to his mother before collapsing. A neighbor, who is a certified medical assistant, found him unresponsive on a couch in his family's apartment. Emergency services rushed him to Grady Memorial Hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal. Another individual sustained a minor injury while fleeing the scene but did not require hospitalization.
In the wake of the shooting, the Atlanta Police Department launched an investigation that quickly led to an arrest. The day after the shooting, 19-year-old Michael Darnell Hollis of Snellville was taken into custody by Gwinnett County authorities. He was subsequently charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Hollis is currently being held at the Fulton County Jail. His attorney has stated that Hollis is innocent and that they intend to prove it in court.
Believing that others were involved in the fatal shooting, authorities have continued their investigation. Police released images of two other men they believe are connected to the shooting and have urged the public to come forward with any information. Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta increased the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of others responsible for Ja'Nylen's death to $15,000. The community has mourned the loss of the young boy, who had just completed the sixth grade at Jean Childs Young Middle School. A vigil was held where family and friends released balloons in his honor, remembering him as a 'gentle giant.' In a poignant tribute at the basketball court where he used to play, neighbors took down the hoops and created a memorial with balloons, teddy bears, and some of his favorite snacks.
