A quiet evening in an Atlanta neighborhood turned tragic on February 24 when gunfire shattered the peace inside a home on Tiger Flowers Drive NW. Around 10 p.m., multiple shots were fired into the residence, striking 7-year-old Zoey Price and her 44-year-old mother. Emergency responders rushed them to the hospital, but Zoey did not survive. Her mother was injured but lived through the attack.
Investigators say the shooting was not random. It stemmed from a heated dispute between 19-year-old Preston Smith and Zoey’s older brother. According to police, the argument escalated over the phone, with Smith allegedly threatening to “shoot up the home.” Later that night, Smith and 17-year-old Steven Richardson reportedly drove to the house and carried out a drive-by shooting. The intended target was Zoey’s brother, but the bullets struck the young girl and her mother instead.
Richardson was arrested first in connection with the incident. Smith later turned himself in to authorities. Both now face serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, and weapons offenses. The case highlights how quickly a personal conflict can lead to devastating consequences for others.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens spoke about the loss, calling Zoey “a little girl that should be here.” Her death has left a deep impact on the community, with neighbors and families reflecting on how violence can reach into everyday life and affect those not involved in any disagreement.
For Zoey’s family, the pain is profound — a child who should have been safe at home is gone, and a mother must now cope with both her injuries and the loss of her daughter. As the legal process moves forward, prosecutors will work to establish the full details and intent behind the actions that night.
The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the far-reaching effects of escalating conflicts and the importance of protecting the most vulnerable. Community members are left hoping for justice and ways to prevent similar incidents from happening again.