Fight for justice continues with vigil, balloon release for Malachi Mitchell
Justice for Malachi Mitchell, family demands
Malachi Mitchell's family drove in from Florida to release balloons and sky lanterns to honor his life and demand answers in his death.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. - The family and friends of 21-year-old Malachi Mitchell gathered for the second time in two days to honor him and demand answers in his killing.
Timeline:
- Jan. 29: Malachi Mitchell was found shot dead in a car. The shooter was briefly questioned by deputies,
- Feb. 3: Family and friends held a funeral at West Hunter Street Baptist Church.
- Feb. 4: A vigil and balloon release were held to honor Malachi and demand justice.
SEE ALSO:
- Douglas County mom said police released driver after her son was found dead next to him
- Douglas County Sheriff's Office releases update on death of Malachi Mitchell
- Family of Malachi Mitchell sues alleged killer after Douglas County Sheriff's Office lets him go
- Community Mourns Malachi Mitchell as investigation into his death continues
Malachi Mitchell vigil, balloon release
What's New:
On Saturday evening, dozens of friends and family members of Malachi Mitchell gathered for a vigil to remember him. Some of them drove in from as far away as Florida.
All of them released balloons and sky lanterns to honor him.
They chanted "Justice for Malachi" as they released the balloons.
His mother, Kenya Mitchell, says this event was about keeping the public aware of their demand for answers in her son’s killing.
"Yesterday we were able to celebrate his life and honor him and today we’re back to fighting for justice," Mitchell said.
This comes after the family laid Malachi to rest Friday at West Hunter Street Baptist Church in Atlanta.
The backstory:
On Jan. 29, a routine traffic stop by Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputies near Thornton Road and I-20 led to the discovery of 21-year-old Malachi A. Mitchell's body in the passenger seat of a vehicle.
The driver, known to Mitchell, was taken into custody for questioning but was later released as the investigation continued.
Authorities revealed that Mitchell had met with the driver to sell a firearm, which led to an altercation inside the vehicle.
The driver allegedly shot Mitchell with a separate firearm and continued driving while seeking advice from a third party, who is now a witness in the case.
What we know:
The investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office indicated that the driver was panicked, believed he had been set up, and thought he was being followed.
The sheriff's office has not yet determined whether the shooting was an act of self-defense or a crime, and no charges have been filed at this time. The investigation remains active, and the official cause of death for Mitchell has not been released.
What's next:
Mitchell's family plans to continue pursuing justice through the courts.
"The lawsuit is still against the killer, it is still active," Kenya told FOX 5 Atlanta.
Malachi Mitchell's mom says she won't stop until she gets justice
Friends and family of Malachi Mitchell, the 21-year-old found dead in the front seat of a car during a traffic stop in Douglas County gathered at Rodney Cook Senior Park for a balloon release and vigil to honor him. His mother, Kenya Mitchell, spoke live with FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Eric Mock.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Eric Mock interviewed Malachi Mitchell's mother at his balloon release and vigil Saturday at Rodney Cook Senior Park.