Raquavious Ferguson

Just six months after celebrating his graduation from Booker T. Washington High School, the life of 18-year-old Raquavious Ferguson was tragically cut short. The young Black man, who his family said had dreams of becoming an engineer, was remembered by his mentor as a respectful and gentle person who was determined to rise above the violence in his neighborhood. His mother recalled him as a smart, great kid with a promising future, and his mentor added that Ferguson had been a partial provider for his household since he was 14 years old.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Ferguson was near the intersection of Sells Avenue and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard in Atlanta. His family said he had gone out to play basketball with friends. Around 4:15 p.m., a large and chaotic fight erupted among a group of people near a gas station and apartment complex in the area. According to his family and community members, Ferguson was an innocent bystander who was trying to act as a peacemaker and de-escalate the conflict when multiple people pulled out guns and began firing.

Ferguson was struck by the gunfire and rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A 14-year-old boy was also wounded in the shooting but was reported to be alert and conscious. Ferguson’s death sent shockwaves through his community. In the days that followed, loved ones gathered for a candlelight vigil to share memories and call for an end to the senseless gun violence that took his life.

Atlanta police launched an investigation into the shooting. Investigators reviewed surveillance video which, according to reports, appeared to show that several people involved in the altercation were armed, including the injured 14-year-old. While one person was taken into custody at the scene, police later arrested two other teenagers in connection with Ferguson's death.

The two suspects, who use the names Nino Paid and Warhol.SS, were charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. As of December 2024, the case against them is pending in court.