Atlanta, GA
Slain teen remembered for bringing joy, unity to Atlanta neighborhood
Who killed 16-year-old Rodney Thompson?
The shooting of a 16-year-old on Judy Lane in south Atlanta two days ago. The victim’s family has identified him as Rodney Thompson. Community leaders describe Thompson as a teen with a bright future…Who tried to help his community. Now his family wants to know why he was killed.
ATLANTA – The family of a 16-year-old boy, who was shot and killed on Judy Lane in southwest Atlanta two days ago, has identified him as Rodney Thompson.
Community leaders described Thompson as a teen who had a bright future and who tried to help his community.
“He brought laughter, he brought joy, he brought the family together. And they’re going to miss those smiles and those moments,” said Tekesia Shields, founder of Mothers Against Gang Violence.
That’s how she says Rodney Thompson’s grandmother described him.
She and Atlanta City Council member Antonio Lewis met with Thompson’s grandmother and family on Friday.
Shields says his grandmother wanted her to speak with Fox 5 on her behalf.
She says Thompson was living with his grandmother at the home on Judy Lane where he was shot and killed Wednesday night at around 7 p.m.
“Someone came into the home, it wasn’t a break-in. It was someone that he knew, someone that he trusted, that he thought he trusted, that came into his home. They came into the room where he slept and they just took his life… with that being in their home, they really feel unsafe,” Shields said.
Shields says the family has no idea why someone would want to kill him.
Lewis says that’s why he spent time canvassing the area on Friday.
“My job is to get with the police and try to find some real justice. So that’s why I’m out here today… so we’re putting the word out in the community that folks need to turn themselves in because we’re looking for you and these cameras are truly working,” Lewis said.
This loss hits close to home for Lewis. He says he and Thompson got their hair cut at the same barbershop and would often talk.
Lewis says just this week he was working to help Thompson apply for jobs at the barbershop.
“On Monday, we got a haircut together at the same barbershop. Rodney told me he filled out an application for a job at Crystal’s. He told me he was disappointed because he didn’t get the job. While I was there, I grabbed his cell phone, opened it up, and I helped him fill out the application to the ATL Year of the Youth [Summer Youth Employment] program. And that’s a job that we knew he could get,” Lewis said.
Lewis called Thompson a “phoenix,” a life full of potential cut short by violence.
“It hurts… I cry for every young black boy that’s killed, because I knew they deserved a second chance, I knew they deserved to grow old,” Lewis said.
Shields says this family wants the people responsible to do the right thing and give them the justice and peace they deserve.
“The message is to come forward… they definitely want you to come forward. They definitely want to bring peace to the family, and they do not want retaliation in the community,” Shields said.
The family is asking anyone with information to call APD at 404-614-6544.
Search for missing Atlanta teen enters fourth day
The search for 16-year-old Benjamin Brath remains active in southwest Atlanta as classmates and family members gather to plead for his safe return, according to Atlanta police and school leaders.
ATLANTA – Benjamin Brathwaite, a 16-year-old student at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, has been missing since Monday night after leaving his Southwest Atlanta home.
Community rally for missing teen
What we know:
Classmates, teachers, and family members held a rally Friday afternoon to plead for the safe return of the 6-foot-5 teenager. Brathwaite was last seen Monday night leaving his home in the Regency Trace neighborhood off County Line Road.
He was reportedly wearing a black hoodie, black joggers, and Nike running shoes when he disappeared. His family noted that he left without his cellphone or any of his belongings.
Ongoing police search efforts
What we don’t know:
Investigators have not yet determined where Brathwaite may have gone or what his current destination might be. Police have not released a specific motive or reason for why the teen left his home Monday night.
While the search remains active, authorities have not indicated if they have found any physical evidence or leads during their ground and air sweeps.
Law enforcement response
What they’re saying:
“As we speak, we have the helicopter flying over the house, the area, and checking the area,” a police investigator said. “We have our K-9 unit, our drone unit, checking the areas. We will not stop.”
School principal Authur Washington also delivered a message to the student. “Your doors, home, they are open to you, you have friends here, and they want to see you,” Washington said.
Family plea on father’s birthday
The backstory:
The search is now in its fourth day, coinciding with a difficult milestone for the family. Friday is the birthday of Brathwaite’s father.
“The only gift he wants is for you to come home, to be able to wrap his arms around you,” the teen’s brother, William “BJ” Brathwaite, said during the rally.
Next steps in search
What’s next:
A prayer vigil is scheduled for Friday night at Cascade United Methodist Church to support the family and the search efforts.
Community search parties plan to continue looking for the teenager throughout the weekend. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Atlanta Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from a FOX 5 news script and broadcast transcript featuring interviews with Benjamin Brathwaite’s family, his school principal, and the Atlanta Police Department.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
A historic showcase of Christian Dior’s fashion, including pieces never before seen in a public exhibition, is now on view at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film. Dior: Crafting Fashion showcases carefully preserved toiles, Lady Dior handbags, and exquisite gowns worn by celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Demi Moore. “This exhibition is a master class in the magic of a legendary maison,” says SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
The exhibit tells the story of the French Couture House’s designers, from Christian Dior to Jonathan Anderson. It shares who they were before they became household names and how they put their own stamp on their collections. It also presents their early design sketches, gardens that inspired them, and some of their most iconic looks.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Not only does Christian Dior rarely partner with universities; this exhibit marks its first presentation in the Southeast. The design house was likely inspired to come to SCAD’s Atlanta campus by the blockbuster success of 2025’s Christian Dior: Jardines Rêvés at SCAD FASH’s Lacoste location in Provence, France. That exhibit enjoyed record-breaking attendance and rave reviews.
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ATLANTA – A man is recovering after he was shot during a crowd dispute early Thursday morning in northwest Atlanta.
What we know:
Atlanta police say the shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. in the 1500 block of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard NW. Investigators determined the gunfire started during a dispute within a crowd gathered in the area.
When officers arrived at the scene, the crowd had already run away. The man who was shot was alert and conscious when he was taken to a nearby hospital.
What we don’t know:
Police have not yet identified the person who opened fire or released the name of the victim.
It is also unclear what exactly sparked the dispute or the current medical status of the man who was shot.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Atlanta Police Department.
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