Update as of 6:55 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 19
Police have charged a Sandy Springs man with murder after his son was shot and killed on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
According to a release by Sandy Springs Police, Richard Willis, the child’s father, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to children. He was transported to Fulton County jail that night.
“The investigation revealed that the death was the result of an improperly secured firearm,” the release said.
According to a post on the department’s social media platforms, officers were called to a complex in the 2600 block of Sandalwood Drive around 2 p.m. on Feb. 18 “regarding the death of a 2-year-old juvenile that had sustained a gunshot wound.”
“Upon arrival, officers and emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures; however, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.”
The social media post said, although the investigation was ongoing, there “is no known threat to the community.”
A parade of police vehicles was seen going in and out of the entrance to the ReNew Dunwoody Apartment complex, which is located near the intersection of North River Drive and Dunwoody Place in the north end of the city. The incident was reported to have occurred at the Carlyle of Sandy Springs Apartments.
Members of the media were initially allowed access to the complex, but were then ordered to retreat to a spot outside the crime scene. It was not evident from the street where the crime scene was located, but reflections of squad cars’ blue lights were within sight.
Residents and visitors entering or leaving the ReNew complex seemed unaware of the incident, slowing down to ask the media if they knew what had happened, as two helicopters circled over the scene.
Rough Draft has reached out to Sandy Springs Police for further comment.