Video offers clues in fatal event hall shooting

Clayton County Police say a security video taken during the December 5 shooting at an illegal event hall on Citzens Parkway in Morrow may show the suspect in 15-year-old Laila Harris’ death. Harris was a student at Sprayberry High School in Marietta.

According to CCPD, “Video surveillance near the event captured a person, shown in the footage, discharging a firearm several times in the direction where the victim had been standing. This person has shorts dreads and was wearing a skull cap, light colored puffer jacket, dark/black colored pants, and white shoes.

“If anyone has any information that can help us identify the subject, the light in color Challenger, or the driver of said vehicle, please contact Detective J. Johnson at (770) 473-3989.”

A GoFundMe for Laila’s body to be sent home to Missouri and her burial expenses had almost reached its $10,000 goal as of press time Friday evening.

The Clayton Crescent discovered that the event hall had no current business registration with the Georgia Secretary of State, no license to do business in Clayton County, and was in violation of county zoning regulations. The owners of the business reportedly disappeared after the shooting, according to a nearby business. A digital invitation sent out to the party showed pictures of liquor bottles and indicated alcohol would be served.