A year after Lyft driver was killed, police say they have ‘persons of interest’

Camila Wright holds daughter Zoya, 2, as she speaks at a news conference on the anniversary of her husband Shahriar Zolfaghari's death. Zolfaghari was working as a Lyft driver when he was shot and killed. RAISA HABERSHAM / RAISA.HABERSHAM@AJC.COM

Camila Wright holds daughter Zoya, 2, as she speaks at a news conference on the anniversary of her husband Shahriar Zolfaghari's death. Zolfaghari was working as a Lyft driver when he was shot and killed. RAISA HABERSHAM / RAISA.HABERSHAM@AJC.COM

One year after a former Georgia assistant attorney general’s husband was shot and killed, Atlanta police announced Thursday afternoon they are looking into a “short list” of persons of interest.

Shahriar Zolfaghari, the husband of Camila Wright, was working as a Lyft driver when he was killed June 1, 2016, in northeast Atlanta at the intersection of Rankin Street and Boulevard, police said.

Atlanta police declined to name the persons of interest or a possible motive. Police said witness statements led to the few leads they have.

A witness discovered the Lyft driver was dead when his car didn’t drive off at a green light. He checked the car and found blood inside and noticed Zolfaghari had been shot.

Investigators said he had been shot twice.

Police initially believed someone was in the car with Zolfaghari or that he was shot at close range, but that person has been ruled out as a suspect. At Thursday’s news conference, police said the shooting appeared to be random.

Shahriar Zolfaghari was shot and killed June 1, 2016, in northeast Atlanta at the intersection of Rankin Street and Boulevard. (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)

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Zolfaghari’s widow and young daughter Zoya have had to cope with the tragedy, holding fond memories of him.

“He was able to stay home with her,” a sad, but hopeful Wright said. “She had a year of naps on his chest.”

The 2-year-old remembers a lot about her dad, Wright said, and kisses his pictures.

Wright, now the executive director of Georgia Life Alliance, just wants justice.

“I want someone in custody,” she said. “This person could easily hurt someone else if they haven’t already.” 

A $35,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to an arrest, but Wright said she’s focused on moving forward.

“There are good days and bad days,” she said. “I miss him more every day, but I feel God’s given me strength and that this is not the end.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Atlanta police at 404-617-3012. Tipsters can also remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting crimestoppersatlanta.org.

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