Many of you may have already heard about this tragic story yesterday, how a security guard shot and killed one woman and injured two others in a Midtown parking deck.
Well, I’m grieved to tell you that I was informed earlier today that the victim, Brittney Watts, and her husband were Decatur residents, having moved to the north-side of the city just a month ago.
Many elements of the story are still unclear – though the local news media is doing its usual darnedest to intrude on the privacy of a grieving family – but regardless, I thought everyone out in the Decatur community should know that this woman was a local Decatur resident.
I don’t know what we can or should do for her husband, family and friends at this point, but I figured if nothing else, they might appreciate a few kind words from the community at this time.
My most sincere condolences to them all.
Thoughts and prayers are with their families during this time.
So sorry for the family and friends.
I had wondered if it was a City resident when I saw the news but the Decatur address often refers to residences outside of the actual city.
Such a tragedy. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
A prayer for this Decatur family. Don’t know what else to do. Thank you for letting us know, DM.
Such a tragedy for no apparent reason.
Here’s this morning’s AJC story:
http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/midtown-shooting-victim-was-1018502.html
The reports say that the assailant was evidently waiting for Ms. Watts but doesn’t indicate whether he knew her or how, nor whether a motive exists.
I didn’t know Ms. Watts, whose family I’m holding in my thoughts and prayers. But, without in any way diminishing the sympathy I feel for her family, I’m also praying for the alleged gunman’s family, as his mother is a friend of mine (as well as a former co-worker). I know they are reeling from this shock, as they are all decent, hardworking, educated and upright people (his mother is an attorney, his father was an engineer for years, his siblings and he all went to college, and have never been in trouble); nothing that I knew about this young man (who has always been quiet and respectful) fits what I’m reading about what he’s done. I am in utter shock that he could have done this terrible thing. Ultimately, this is a tragedy for two families, one of whom has forever lost its precious daughter, and another who may be discovering that the son & brother they love is not who they thought he was, and will forever wonder how this could have happened. My heart aches for them all.
That is good of you mention. It does not take away from your sympathy for the victim’s family to have sympathy for the family who never expected that their family member could do something like this.
Very well put and so often we forget the impact on the other family. Condolences to all.
I don’t know if this was in any of the news stories but Brittney’s family has apparently requested that anyone wishing to honor her memory do so by making a donation to either Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta or to Georgia Organics.
I did not know her but the woman of the house did. The marketing/advertising community is a pretty small, close group around here. I can tell you that her friends are completely devestated and I cannot even imagine her family’s shock and horror. I can only hope that the media honors their request for some privacy in this time of unbelievable grief.
For those of you who did get to know Brittney during her brief time in Decatur, I’m sure you must be devestated as well. If I get any other information about how we can lend our sympathy and support to her husband and her family, I will post it here.
And for everyone else, go hug your parents, kids, dogs and who or whatever is important to you. Tell them you love them because you never know when this kind of tragey will strike at home.
Amen, J_T…
AJC story today:
http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/did-midtown-shooter-know-1024035.html
I work in the Proscenium building. The two women shot but not killed are my immediate colleagues. It’s so terrible — a loss of innocence for all involved. I hear Brittney was a vibrant, fun, thoughtful and bright young lady.
My prayers/thoughts go out to Brittney and her family as well as to Tiffany and Lauren, the other victims.
J_T – you’re right – life is so fragile and things can change within the blink of an eye.
feeling very heavy hearted after reading some of her blog (linked thru a patch story)….she certainly seemed to be a person who counted her blessings…bless her husband and friends and family many times over…