One suspect has been arrested in a drive-by shooting that killed a 12-year-old in southwest Atlanta, according to police. But investigators believe there were others involved, and they need the public’s help finding them.
On Wednesday, Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta said the reward has increased to $15,000 for information leading to arrests and convictions of those responsible for the death of Ja’Nylen Amir Greggs. Ja’Nylen died after being shot in the torso on June 12 outside the Retreat at Greenbriar apartments in the 3200 block of Cushman Circle, where he lived, according to police.
“We are asking anyone who knows something — anything — to come forward,” Sgt. Demetrius Campbell, director of Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta, said in an emailed statement. “Your tip could be the missing piece that gives this family justice.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said Wednesday he had recently spoken to the boy’s mother. Despite the heartbreak Ja’Nylen’s death caused, Dickens said the shooting is not indicative of an increase in crime.
Speaking at a news conference on public safety plans, police Chief Darin Schierbaum said additional arrests are expected in the case.
Credit: Shaddi Abusaid/ shaddi.abusaid@ajc.com
Credit: Shaddi Abusaid/ shaddi.abusaid@ajc.com
“One tragedy is way too many,” Schierbaum said, vowing to continue efforts to get guns out of the hands of criminals.
Dickens said Ja’Nylen had been playing outside when he was shot.
“He was caught in the crossfire of an incident that was happening nearby while he was playing basketball,” Dickens said. “We never want that to happen. We never want any of our young people to feel afraid to go anywhere — a park, a recreation center, outside.”
Schierbaum previously said the deadly shooting began as a conflict between two groups at the complex.
“One group returned to a blue car, and once they entered that car and started to drive down the street, they opened fire on the group they had been in an argument with just moments before. In that exchange of gunfire, the 12-year-old was shot.”
On Friday, a Gwinnett County teenager was arrested a day after the shooting. Michael Darnell Hollis, 19, of Snellville was charged with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, police said.
Arrest warrants state Hollis fired a gunshot in the direction of Ja’Nylen, killing him. Hollis remained Wednesday in the Fulton County jail, where he is being held without bond. Hollis’ attorney, Sarah Flack, said Wednesday that her client is innocent.
She called Ja’Nylen’s death a “heartbreaking tragedy” but urged the public not to rush to judgment.
“We look forward to proving that Michael is 100% innocent of the charges in this case in a court of law,” Flack said. “We will ensure that justice is pursued with the fairness, swiftness and integrity our legal system demands and Ja’Nylen’s family deserves.”
The 12-year-old is Atlanta’s youngest homicide victim of the year so far, according to police. Schierbaum said both the city and the community lost a child because of senseless gun violence.
For the week ending June 6, APD had investigated 36 homicides compared with 56 at the same time last year, according to the latest crime data available. The homicide rate has dropped each of the past two years.
“We wish that day didn’t happen last week,” Dicken said. “I don’t think we’re seeing that as a trend. That was a one-off, and it’s something we don’t ever want to repeat.”
The mayor said he’s developed a “whole of government approach” aimed at reducing crime and keeping Atlanta’s youth safe over the summer months. That includes connecting teens with jobs and directing them to summertime athletic leagues and nonprofit youth centers, Dickens said.
“A big part of this is just about giving our young people something to do, giving them guidance and mentorship,” he said.
Schierbaum said that overall crime is down 10% from this time last year. That includes a 33% reduction in homicides and a 25% decrease in the number of people who have been shot since the start of 2025, the chief said.
“More people are alive. More communities are whole,” he said.
Schierbaum also said car thefts are down 40% and noted Atlanta police have recovered 1,457 guns through mid-June.
He said the police department “is not going to take a vacation this summer,” vowing to continue efforts to curb gun violence, vehicle thefts, street racing and other crimes.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page created to assist with Ja’Nylen’s funeral costs said of Ja’Nylen’s mother that her son was “the center of her world” and had a promising life ahead of him.
“Ja’Nylen was a bright, energetic, and kind-hearted young boy with a promising future,” the fundraising page states. “His sudden passing has left his family and community devastated. In this incredibly difficult time, his mother is facing not only the emotional pain of losing her son but also the financial burden of arranging his funeral.”
The deadly shooting came less than a month after a shooting at the same complex. On May 19, a 28-year-old man was shot in the head, according to police. He was alert while being taken to the hospital, police said at the time.
Anyone with information on Ja’Nylen’s case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477, text information to 274637 or visit the Crime Stoppers website.
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