Tragic Death of Mother of Four Leaves Atlanta Community in Mourning
ATLANTA — The family and friends of 32-year-old Courtney Reese, a loving mother of four, gathered recently for a heartfelt vigil to honor her life. Reese was tragically gunned down earlier this week near Cleveland Avenue, leaving her family reeling from another devastating loss — her younger sister was also a victim of gun violence just a few months ago.
The vigil for Reese, who leaves behind three daughters, ages 13, 9, and 6, and an 11-year-old son, was filled with memories and profound grief. Her family shared their memories of Reese, fondly known as “Coco” to her loved ones. Her sister Lena reminisced about how Reese was always the life of the party, a brilliant cook, and a person with an infectious smile that brought joy to everyone around her. “She didn’t deserve this. Her kids will miss her. Her sisters, her brother, dad James, and mom Shiba. We’re all going to miss Coco,” Lena said, fighting through tears.
On the evening of August 20, Atlanta Police officers arrived at the scene of a shooting on Springside Drive, between Cleveland Avenue and Mt. Zion Road. Courtney Reese was found lying on the ground, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save her, Reese succumbed to her injuries. There is now a growing memorial of flowers marking the spot where she tragically lost her life.
Recently, authorities obtained a 27-second video from a Ring camera security system. Though the footage is too graphic to show, the video reportedly captures a tall figure, dressed in all white with a hooded sweatshirt, approaching Reese. The video documents a chilling scene as Reese pleads, “Please. I don’t…” before the shooter fires multiple shots, even after Reese falls to the ground. The suspect then is seen fleeing the scene.
The Atlanta Police Department’s homicide unit is investigating the shooting but has not yet provided any details about a possible suspect. Reese’s family believes the person responsible is a man with whom she had previously been involved. They are urgently hoping for a break in the case to prevent further tragedies. “Her life was cut short, but the children still are here. They still have to be provided for,” Lena expressed. “She was a great mother. We want them to have everything that we knew she was going to do for them,” she added, emphasizing the family’s concern for Reese’s children’s future.
The family is now raising funds to support the children who have lost their mother and to cover funeral costs for Reese. Contributions to aid the family can be made through a fundraising page set up in her memory.
The pain of losing Reese is compounded by the tragic loss of her younger sister, 29-year-old Sametria Edwards-McCord, who was shot and killed just months ago in DeKalb County. Edwards-McCord was shot at a family gathering on Chestnut Hill Circle in Decatur on May 24. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she died from her injuries. DeKalb County police have identified a 16-year-old suspect but have yet to make an arrest. Police have stated that the two shootings are not connected.
The family of Courtney Reese and Sametria Edwards-McCord is appealing to anyone with information on either shooting to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS(8477) or through their online form at www.crimestoppersatlanta.org. A reward of up to $2,000 is available for information that leads to solving the case.
As the Reese family mourns the loss of another loved one to senseless violence, the community rallies around them with support. The memory of Courtney Reese lives on through her children and the many lives she touched.
