MARIETTA, Ga. — Marietta Police said they're investigating the killing of a 17-year-old that happened in May.
According to the department, officers were called to an apartment complex where a "very large group of young adults were gathering," and gunshots had been heard.
"Multiple MPD officers responded and observed a large number of teenagers and young adults all attempting to flee from the area," the department said in a release.
The teen victim, identified as Grayson Green, was found near the entrance with a gunshot wound to his chest.
"He was energetic and always smiling," said Lisa Green, Grayson's step-mom.
Grayson's father Tishamba Green said the high school junior was also popular.
“He would literally run into 10 different people that knew him or knew of him, and he’d be like, ‘Hey, man! What’s going on? How are you doing?’” Tishamba Green said.
Grayson's infectious spirit was silenced on May 21, 2022.
“His older sibling had dropped him off, and probably a couple minutes later, he said he heard gunshots, and he couldn’t get a hold of his brother," Tishamba Green said.
"Officers immediately rendered aid and coordinated Green's transport to WellStar Kennestone Hospital where he was pronounced deceased," the MPD release said.
"As a father, I cannot imagine the pain this young man’s family and friends are going through and hope you will join me in keeping them in your prayers," Marietta Interim Police Chief Marty Ferrell said in a statement.
According to police, the gathering had started at a rental house outside city limits. Still, it was shut down by the property owner before "a few of the participants used social media to advertise their unsanctioned party was being relocated."
Police said that "due to the chaos of everyone fleeing" only some witnesses were interviewed in the immediate aftermath on scene.
“We're hurt, sad, and just in disbelief," Lisa Green said. “Why isn’t anybody speaking up?”
Police haven't made any arrests almost two weeks later. This is leading the police and Grayson's family to plead for someone to come forward.
"Several people were around while this incident occurred. We’re asking you to help spread that information. We know that someone out there witnessed this and saw this. We need them to be courageous enough to come forward and help us solve this case," Marietta Police Spokesperson Chuck McPhilamy said.
“Somebody saw something. A lot of somebody’s saw something," Lisa Green said. "We have to get this type of person off the streets, so please, we’re begging, just for some closure in this.”
MPD said it is asking for the public's help piecing together details about the party.
"We know that a very large number of teens and young adults were present, and that numerous people witnessed the shooting. We are calling on parents to talk with their children and anyone that was there and/or has information regarding the shooting death of Grayson Green to please have the courage to reach out to us," the department said.
Anyone who was a witness can contact the department at 770-794-6990 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477). The MPD investigators working the case can also be reached at 770-794-5477 (Detective Megan Haas) and 770-794-5469 (Detective Chris Lindsey).
A $2,000 reward is on offer from Crime Stoppers, and the Walton Village and Walton Communities, the complex operators, are offering a matching reward to bring the total to $4,000.
"Candidly, we need the public’s help. Residents and business owners, you have trusted us in the past and helped us solve countless crimes. We are reaching out to you now to help bring justice for this senseless murder," Interim Chief Ferrell said. "Please encourage anyone with information in this case to come forward and bring closure for the Green family. ”