D’Juan Malik Hill, a 21-year-old man from Athens, Georgia, was part of a large and loving family. Born on January 9, 2005, he was the beloved son of Rico Hill, Sr. and Andrea Rhone. D'Juan grew up surrounded by siblings, including his three brothers, Rico Jr., Octavious, and Karibe`yon, and his four sisters, Anesa, Daiziah, Jekerria, and Malani. He was also cherished by his grandmother, Ellen Parks, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives who were left to mourn a life taken far too
soon.
In the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday, September 29, 2026, D'Juan’s life was cut short by gunfire in southwest Atlanta. Atlanta Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a person shot at the Hidden Pines Apartment Complex at 3230 Cushman Circle SW shortly before 3:30 a.m. They arrived to find D’Juan outside of Building G, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite any lifesaving measures attempted, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting plunged the apartment complex and the wider community into a state of heightened fear and concern. D'Juan's death was the second fatal shooting at the Hidden Pines complex in less than 36 hours. On the Sunday afternoon prior, 25-year-old Elijah Brookshire had been shot and killed in the same area following an argument. The back-to-back homicides, along with another killing at the complex in June of the previous year, prompted residents to speak out about long-held fears for their safety and a perceived lack of security. One resident noted that violence happened in broad daylight while children played nearby, stating, "I fear for our lives. I fear for our kids' lives and I think this is not a safe environment for our kids to even be raised in."
The Atlanta Police Department’s homicide unit immediately launched an investigation into D'Juan's murder. Detectives worked to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting, but authorities did not release any information about a possible motive or potential suspects. In response to the wave of violence, the police department installed mobile surveillance cameras at the complex to help deter crime and assist with their investigation.
In the wake of his tragic death, D'Juan's father, Rico Hill, Sr., created a memorial fund to help with funeral costs and provide his son with a dignified farewell. In a message filled with sorrow, he described the family's heartbreaking pain and reached out for support during the incredibly difficult time. A Celebration of Life service for D'Juan was held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home Chapel in his hometown of Athens.
As of early October 2026, the investigation into D’Juan Hill’s murder remains ongoing, and no arrests have been made. The case is an open and active homicide investigation. Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that leads to an arrest in the case. The Atlanta Police Department urges anyone with information to contact Detective S. Thomas at 404-829-0301. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to the Crime Stoppers tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at crimestoppersatlanta.org, or by texting CSGA to 738477.
