Athens-Clarke County police announced Friday a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrests of those involved in a suspected gang-related shootout last weekend resulting in an innocent bystander being killed.
The death last Saturday night of 23-year-old Breana Jeree Blackwell was classified as a homicide by police.
No one was arrested and charged in connection with the young woman’s death, police said, and Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that assists with the investigation.
Police believe Blackwell was the victim of a shootout between two local street gangs, NBA (Never Broke Again) and 2 Tuff. She was sitting in her car at Hawthorne Extension and Brooklyn Road when killed by one of the many bullets fired by members of the rival gangs.
A man who was standing in the street was wounded by the gunfire. Police and several vehicles and occupied homes were also struck by bullets, though no additional injuries were reported.
The feud between the two groups dates back at least two years ago, when in May 2014 purported NBA associate Jordorian “Jojo” Randolph was killed in a drive-by shooting on Westchester Drive. In a retaliatory measure several weeks later, according to police, members of NBA committed a drive-by shooting in the Deer Park neighborhood in east Athens in which three purported 2 Tuff gang members were wounded.
After many months of relative calm, in broad daylight on June 1, police said, an alleged member of 2 Tuff was in a moving car on Baxter Drive when taking aim at an NBA member. He missed his target, despite firing his gun some 14 times.
In November there were three drive-by shootings which targeted homes occupied by gang members, with no injuries.
Police said the most recent spate of shootings was sparked by rival gang members arguing with and taunting each other through social media, including Instagram and Snapchat.
When Blackwell was killed, a large group of people gathered in the area of west Athens known locally as “Black Road” for a get-together known as a “kickback.” Word of the kickback was spread through social media, apparently attracting members of the opposing street gangs who subsequently got into a verbal altercation that escalated into a gun battle.
Through the re-allocation of personnel and resources, and working with state and county officials, the police department has made it a priority to find and prosecute those who were involved in the deadly shootout.
Anyone with information concerning the shooting can call Athens-Clarke County police Lt. Mike Tyndell at (706) 613-3888, ext. 372, or Detective Lee Walker at (706) 613-3888, ext. 292.
Anonymous calls can be made to the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (706)-613-3342.
Follow Criminal Justice reporter Joe Johnson at www.facebook.com/JoeJohnsonABH or www.twitter.com/JoeJohnsonABH.