Father Remembers 17-Year-Old Anjuan Maffett After Deadly Shooting at West Ridge Shopping Center

ATLANTA, Ga. — A family is mourning the loss of 17-year-old Anjuan Maffett, who was shot and killed Saturday afternoon in the parking lot of the West Ridge Shopping Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Atlanta police are searching for a person of interest as the investigation continues.

Anjuan’s father, Eric Evans, said his son went to the shopping center to buy Timberland boots. Evans rushed to the scene after hearing that his son had been shot. He now avoids the area because being near it is too painful.

“I try not to even drive past this whole thing,” Evans said. “I go the back streets. I try not to make it this way at all because every time, I see him lying down.”

Evans remembered his son as playful and deeply loved by those around him.

“He’s a good kid. He’s a fun kid—and he’s really going to be missed by everybody.”

This tragedy is not the first Evans has endured; his oldest son was also shot and killed in Atlanta years earlier. He said the last few days have been especially hard on Anjuan’s mother.

“His mom’s been in and out of the hospital. She’s not taking it well at all. That’s her baby, and his sisters… I’m just trying to be strong for the family,” Evans said.

Police said an argument preceded the shooting. Investigators are now asking the public for help identifying a man considered a person of interest. Evans told 11Alive he does not recognize the individual and does not know whether his son was with anyone at the time.

He hopes other young people understand that violence is never the solution.

“Not only look at what it’s doing to his family, but think about your family. Everybody is affected by a one-moment decision. Having a gun does not make you a gangster. Being smart is not using that gun,” Evans said.

When asked for additional details about the person of interest or other possible suspects, Atlanta Police said they could not release further information at this time.

Source: Father remembers teenage son who was killed going to buy shoes in Atlanta (11Alive News)

Our Perspective at Georgia Victims

Georgia Victims – The heartbreaking death of Anjuan Maffett underscores the growing concern surrounding violence affecting young people in Atlanta. Families who lose loved ones to shootings often face lifelong trauma, emotional devastation, and unanswered questions.

Communities rely on safe public spaces, such as shopping centers and commercial areas, to be secure for everyday activities. When violence occurs in these settings, families may face not only the immediate impact of tragedy but also long-term concerns about public safety and preventative measures.

In incidents involving violent crime, key questions arise regarding the environment surrounding the event and whether additional security or proactive measures could have reduced risks. Families navigating the aftermath may seek guidance about their rights, support resources, or potential legal avenues if negligence contributed to unsafe condition.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. We offer legal assistance, if desired, and represent clients on a contingency agreement—meaning no fees are owed unless we recover for you.

When a dangerous incident occurs at a residential property, apartment complex, or public area, key concerns arise regarding property safety and potential negligence.

In cases like the fatal shooting of Anjuan Maffett at West Ridge Shopping Center, key safety concerns may include:

• Were adequate security measures in place, such as surveillance coverage, on-site security presence, or proper monitoring of high-traffic areas?
• Did the property owner or management know about prior safety issues, disturbances, or incidents that could indicate the need for increased security?
• Could stronger precautions or timely interventions—including better lighting, active security patrols, or improved oversight—have helped reduce the risk of violence or deter dangerous behavior?

Under Georgia premises liability law, property owners and management companies may be held responsible if insufficient security contributes to preventable harm. When foreseeable risks are not addressed, families affected by violent crime may have grounds to explore a legal claim.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.  We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover.  

Image source: https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/11/teen-17-fatally-shot-while-shopping-at-sw-atlanta-complex-police-say/