Atlanta teen shot, killed on Thanksgiving months after boyfriend killed

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Atlanta teenager Taylor Hamilton, 16, was shot and killed on Thanksgiving Day while waiting for an Uber in Ellenwood, according to police.

Beloved teen Taylor Hamilton fatally shot

Her mother, Nandi Hamilton, spoke with 11 Alive about her daughter’s final hours and the struggles she faced. She said a friend convinced Taylor to attend the gathering, and that friend was the only person she knew there.

In the interview, Hamilton explained that Taylor had been deeply affected by the Sept. 1 death of her boyfriend, 16‑year‑old Dequavious Royalston. He was fatally shot when his stepfather allegedly mistook him for an intruder.

Hamilton added that other teens heckled her daughter about Royalston’s death, a cruelty she believes fueled tension before the Thanksgiving shooting.

Shooting Captured on Doorbell Camera

Hamilton told the station that Taylor was ready to leave and stood on the porch waiting for her ride when a group came outside. Gunfire erupted during that encounter.

She said the homeowner’s doorbell camera recorded the shooting, describing the video as “senseless” and “heartbreaking,” especially since it has circulated on social media.

Taylor Hamilton Remembered as “Big Sister” Figure

“Taylor was an old soul, who looked up to as their big sister,” Hamilton said in the 11 Alive interview. “She was that kind of friend, always giving advice.”

Hamilton also said her daughter was a sophomore at Booker T. Washington High School, a JROTC member, and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian.

Suspect Charged as Adult

Clayton County Police confirmed prosecutors charged 16‑year‑old Adonis Alkarim with murder in connection to the shooting. Investigators said authorities are prosecuting him as an adult.

“It was absolutely senseless,” Hamilton told 11 Alive, adding that she believes more people should be held accountable.

Community Support

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses.

Organizers wrote: “We are raising funds to honor the life of Taylor ‘Maid’ Hamilton, a bright and loving 16‑year‑old whose life was tragically taken by gun violence.”