Xavier Bethel, 16, was killed on March 2, 2026, on the 5800 block of Harrier Lane in South Fulton, just outside Atlanta. Officers found him suffering from a gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooting turned an ordinary residential block into the site of a sudden and devastating loss and was treated by police as a homicide.

Investigators immediately sought whoever had been with or near Xavier in the moments before the shooting. South Fulton police released images of a person of interest and an SUV they believe are connected to the killing, and Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment. As of the latest reporting, no arrest has been announced and no suspect has been publicly named or charged.

Does anyone have information about who was on Harrier Lane that night or who might recognize the vehicle or person of interest?