In a heartbreaking reminder of the growing gang violence plaguing Georgia’s youth, two 14-year-old teenagers have been indicted in connection with the shooting death of 13-year-old Desiah Reed in Austell. The fatal shooting, which took place on July 21, has reignited public concern about the devastating impact of gang culture on young lives across the state.
Virginia Evelyn Wallace-Cooper (1993–2025): Beloved Mother, Daughter, Sister, and Christian Servant
What Happened
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced the indictment of Jonathan Campher and Josiah Cole in connection with the killing of Desiah Reed, who was tragically caught in the crossfire of a gang-related dispute on Padgett Road in Austell.
According to investigators, Reed was shot in the head during a confrontation between rival gangs. The indictment charges both suspects with multiple offenses under Georgia’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, including voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault.
Authorities identified Campher as a member of the Young Stupid Reckless (YSR) gang and Cole as a member of Sex Money Murders, a violent faction of the Bloods gang known for its presence throughout Georgia.
Gang Conflict Behind the Shooting
Attorney General Carr stated that the deadly shooting stemmed from an ongoing feud between two rival gangs, underscoring the increasing dangers of gang involvement among minors.
“This is a tragedy that should never have happened,” Carr said. “We are devoting all available resources to protecting our children from senseless violence.”
Interim Cobb County Police Chief James Ferrell echoed those sentiments, expressing his concern over the rise in youth gang activity and emphasizing the importance of community cooperation to prevent further loss of life.
Georgia’s Gang Prosecution Efforts
The Cobb County Grand Jury handed down the indictments on October 9, 2025, marking another major case in the state’s intensified fight against organized gang activity.
In 2022, the Attorney General’s Office established Georgia’s first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit, designed to coordinate law enforcement resources and combat gang-related crime. Since its creation, the unit has successfully secured over 115 convictions across multiple counties, including Cobb, DeKalb, and Fulton.
Operating out of Atlanta, the unit includes regional prosecutors and investigators stationed in Albany, Augusta, and Macon, reflecting a growing commitment to addressing gang threats at both urban and regional levels.
What Happens Next
Both teenage defendants are expected to face trial in the coming months as the investigation into the Austell shooting continues. Authorities remain focused on identifying additional individuals connected to the gang activities that led to Reed’s tragic death.
State and local officials continue to emphasize education, prevention, and community engagement as key strategies to reduce youth involvement in gangs and ensure safer neighborhoods across Georgia.
Conclusion
The indictment of two teenagers for the death of 13-year-old Desiah Reed serves as a painful reminder of how deeply gang violence has affected Georgia’s youth. As law enforcement agencies and community leaders work together to combat these crimes, there remains a collective call for unity, awareness, and stronger measures to protect young people from falling victim to the cycle of violence.