CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Thanksgiving Day shooting of a beloved teenager has deeply shocked the community after 16-year-old Taylor Hamilton was fatally wounded. Authorities have charged 15-year-old Adonis Alkarim as an adult in connection with the tragic incident.
Taylor, who celebrated her birthday just weeks ago on Nov. 4, was at a gathering on Wentworth Drive in Ellenwood when the shooting occurred. Her mother, Nandi Hamilton, indicated that Taylor attended the event only to accompany a friend, with whom she was familiar, but did not really know anyone else at the gathering.
In the months leading up to her death, Taylor was grappling with personal challenges, including the recent loss of her boyfriend, Dequavious Royalston, who was killed in September during a tragic misunderstanding involving his stepfather. This loss had reportedly led to some issues with other teens, which could have contributed to the tension at the home on Thanksgiving.
As Taylor awaited an Uber on the front porch, a group from inside the house approached her. Moments later, she was shot. Hamilton mentioned that the shooting incident was captured on the homeowner’s doorbell camera and described the footage as “senseless” and “heartbreaking,” noting that it has circulated on social media, exacerbating the family’s grief.
“Taylor was an old soul, who everyone looked up to as their big sister. Everyone turned to her for advice, and she was that kind of friend,” her mother expressed, highlighting the warmth and guidance Taylor offered to those around her.
A sophomore at Booker T. Washington High School, Taylor was actively involved in her school’s JROTC program and had aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. Her mother recalls her as a dedicated student who was passionate about her future.
The Clayton County Police have confirmed that Alkarim has been charged with murder. Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and some community members are calling for broader accountability related to the incident.
Nandi Hamilton believes that more individuals should bear responsibility for the tragedy that unfolded. In the wake of Taylor’s death, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the family with funeral expenses, highlighting the community’s support during this difficult time.