Two Arrested in Fatal Shooting of 7-Year-Old Atlanta Girl

Suspects charged with murder and aggravated assault in death of Zoey Price

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Atlanta Police Department has announced the arrests of two individuals, Preston Smith, 19, and Steven Richardson, 17, in connection with the fatal shooting of 7-year-old Zoey Price in the Dixie Hills neighborhood of Atlanta on February 24. The suspects are facing charges of murder and aggravated assault for the incident, which also left Zoey's mother wounded.

Why it matters

The tragic death of young Zoey Price has shaken the Atlanta community and raised concerns about gun violence and public safety, particularly in the Dixie Hills neighborhood. The swift arrests by the Atlanta Police Department, who had one of the highest homicide clearance rates in the nation in 2025, may help provide some closure for Zoey's family and the broader community.

The details

According to the Atlanta Police, the incident began with a verbal dispute between Preston Smith and Zoey's brother over the phone. Smith then picked up Steven Richardson, and the two drove to the Price family's home on Tiger Flowers Drive and opened fire, striking both Zoey and her mother. Zoey died at the hospital, while her mother was wounded but survived.

  • The shooting occurred on the night of February 24, 2026.
  • The arrests of Preston Smith and Steven Richardson were announced at an Atlanta Police Department press conference on March 3, 2026.

The players

Preston Smith

A 19-year-old arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault in the fatal shooting of 7-year-old Zoey Price.

Steven Richardson

A 17-year-old arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault in the fatal shooting of 7-year-old Zoey Price.

Zoey Price

A 7-year-old girl who was fatally shot in the Dixie Hills neighborhood of Atlanta on February 24, 2026.

Andre Dickens

The Mayor of Atlanta, who met with Zoey's mother at the hospital and described the young girl as "a child full of energy and full of joy."

Prenzinna Spann

The Atlanta Police Department Deputy Chief who provided details about the arrests and charges at the press conference.

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What they’re saying

“Her life was cut short by an act of senseless violence.”

— Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta (roughdraftatlanta.com)

“APD had a 76.76 percent clearance rate for homicides in 2025 – one of the highest in the nation. You will be arrested and held accountable. We will find you.”

— Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta (roughdraftatlanta.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on bail for Preston Smith and Steven Richardson at a hearing on March 10, 2026.

The takeaway

The tragic death of 7-year-old Zoey Price has shaken the Atlanta community and highlighted the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety, even in neighborhoods with relatively high homicide clearance rates. The swift arrests in this case may provide some solace, but deeper solutions are still needed to prevent such senseless acts of violence against innocent children.