A Georgia mother is grieving an unimaginable loss after her 16-year-old daughter was shot and killed during what was supposed to be a simple Thanksgiving visit with friends. Taylor Hamilton’s mother, Nandi Hamilton, says the tragedy was captured on a doorbell camera and is now being circulated on social media, adding even more pain to an already devastating situation.
Clayton County police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the shooting. Taylor’s family says the violence was senseless and has forever changed the meaning of Thanksgiving for them, according to a local ABC affiliate, WSB.
Through tears, Taylor’s aunt, Wazi Nyide, shared her disbelief. “I just never thought I would be in this situation where I would be burying Taylor,” she said. Nandi says she cannot understand how a 15-year-old had access to a gun or how he could fire it so casually in front of witnesses. “I don’t know how he was that angry to pull out a gun and shoot her,” she said.
The doorbell video shows Taylor spending time with friends before she planned to visit her father for the holiday. Nandi said Taylor, a sophomore at Booker T. Washington High School, was sitting outside wearing headphones while waiting for her Uber, which was only minutes away.
But the video also shows a group of teens coming outside and taunting Taylor. Nandi says they were mocking her daughter for mourning her boyfriend, who had recently been murdered. “They were mad about her keeping her boyfriend’s name alive, and they didn’t like that,” she explained.
In footage reviewed by Channel 2’s Tom Jones, the boy can be seen pulling out a gun. Taylor responds, “I don’t care about no gun.” After more taunting, Taylor eventually gets in the boy’s face. That’s when, according to her mother, he shot her. “He’s a monster. He shot her in cold blood,” Nandi said.
She believes Taylor was lured to the home under false pretences. The teen suspect now faces charges including malice murder, first-degree child cruelty and firearm possession offences. Nandi remembers her daughter as full of life, disciplined in JROTC and proudly feminine. She says Taylor’s death has shaken students, teachers and administrators who knew her.
“She spread so much love,” Nandi said. “All her love couldn’t save her from her killer.” She also believes someone should be held accountable for sharing the disturbing doorbell video online. Taylor will be laid to rest Saturday at the Donehoo-Lewis Funeral Home in Hapeville. A GoFundMe has been created to help the family with funeral and related expenses.
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