2 Charged With Murder In Fatal Shooting Of Atlanta Girl, 7

ATLANTA, GA — Two people are facing murder charges in connection with the shooting death of a 7-year-old girl and the shooting of her mother last week in Atlanta.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Atlanta Police announced the news Tuesday.

Police say Steven Richardson, 17, and Preston Smith, 19, have both surrendered at the Fulton County Jail in connection with the shooting death of Zoey Price.

Her mother is recovering from the shooting, Dickens said at a news conference.

"The beginning of this process has now taken place, and this will now ultimately allow Zoey's family and community to see justice has been served," he said.

The fatal shooting occurred around 9:45 p.m., Feb. 24, in the 2200 block of Tiger Flowers Drive Northwest, police said.

Atlanta Police Deputy Chief Prenzinna Spann said Smith got into a verbal dispute with Price's brother over the phone and threatened to shoot up his home.

That night, Spann said Smith traveled to Atlanta and picked up Richardson. They then drove to the Tigers Flowers home and opened fire, police said.

"Zone 1 that night tried desperately to save a girl's life," Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said.

RELATED: Child Killed, Mom Injured In Atlanta Shooting

Richardson on Friday surrendered and was arrested on charges of murder, criminal attempt to commit murder, three counts of aggravated assault, second-degree criminal damage to property, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, four counts of third-degree cruelty to children, police said.

Arrest warrants against Smith were secured Thursday, and he surrendered Monday, police said. He faces the same charges as Richardson, who additionally faces a charge of possession of a firearm by a person under 18, police said.

Police have released body camera footage of SWAT officers conducting a search warrant in connection with the case.

"This is a message that if you are going to harm an innocent child in this city, that we will catch you," Schierbaum said. "We will not stop at any barricade in our way, any obstacle, until we bring justice to any family in this city."

Dickens, who said he spoke with Price's family, described her as compassionate and fun.

She was a cheerleader and basketball player for Atlanta Parks and Recreation. Price was "full of energy and full of joy," Dickens said.

"Her life was cut short in an act of senseless violence, and that loss was not abstract," he said. "It is a chair that is going to be missing at the dinner table each night. It is an empty classroom next to her friends that are going to be mourning the loss by her teachers, the classmates and the rest of the school. ... There is a family now that will never be the same because Zoey is no longer with us."

Both Dickens and police warned that if someone commits a crime in Atlanta, they will not go without justice.

Dickens said the arrests of Richardson and Smith were "not a celebration" but were rather "a solemn moment" and a reminder that violence is not tolerated in Atlanta.

"These arrests that we're announcing today, they matter. They matter because they're a step forward toward justice for Zoey, her family and for every parent in this city who expects their child to be safe in their very own home and in their very own neighborhood," Dickens said.

"... To anyone even thinking about pulling a trigger and killing someone in this city, don't because you will be arrested and held accountable. If you commit violent crime here in Atlanta, if you dare to take anyone's life, we will find you. APD is very good at what they do, and their partnerships go a long way."

The FBI Atlanta office has announced it assisted APD with taking Richardson and Smith into custody while sharing a photo of Price.

"We will continue to use every available resource to support our partners, ensure those who commit such heinous and senseless crimes are brought to justice, and help keep Georgia’s communities safe," the FBI said.