Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum provided city leaders with an update this week on the investigation of the shooting at Elleven45 Lounge, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to four others.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner identified the deceased as 21-year-old Mariam Creighton, a student at Albany State University, and 20-year-old Nakyris Ridley.
Schierbaum stated that they are close to making an arrest in connection with the shooting.
“That will happen, I believe, very shortly. Our officers have been working tirelessly since that tragedy unfolded to make sure we have that individual in custody before a court,” Schierbaum said.
Schierbaum said there was one gunman and the person was targeting one person inside the club. He said the person targeted was shot and killed. The police chief also said the other people shot were innocent bystanders.
Creighton, who was only 21 years old, was a talented volleyball player who attended Albany State University, an HBCU in Georgia. Her family told Atlanta News First that she was with friends celebrating a birthday at the club when she was shot.
“(Mari) was our baby. Just her smile and bubbly attitude. We just miss her so much,” Telia Wheeler, the sister of Mariam Creighton told Atlanta News First.
Wheeler is urging the City of Atlanta to close down the Elleven45 Lounge. He is asking people to sign an online petition that was launched in 2020, with the goal of shutting down the lounge, which is located at 2110 Peachtree Road NW.
The petition states that, at the time it was started, there had been five shootings resulting in four deaths over an 11-month period in 2020.
“If I had known there had been prior incidences like that, I probably would have encouraged my sister not to go,” said Wheeler.
Elleven45 Lounge posted a statement on social media Sunday after the shooting.
“We at Elleven 45 are profoundly affected by the recent tragic events. Our hearts go out to all those impacted, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the individuals and families who have suffered loss and injury. The safety and well-being of our patrons and staff have always been our paramount concern. To ensure a thorough investigation in cooperation with local law enforcement, we will be closing our doors today.”
We continue to send our prayers to Creighton’s family and the Albany State University community during this time.
*This story is still developing and will be updated when more information becomes available.