DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The family of a 26-year-old woman shot and killed on Halloween spoke Wednesday after investigators announced the arrest of of a suspect.
Janiya Bates, 19 years old, is charged with malice murder in the death of Kennedy Sanders.
The shooting occurred on Conley Downs Drive during a birthday party at an Airbnb, where a fight broke out and Sanders was shot.
Her family, who live nearly 800 miles away in Dallas, told Channel 2’s Candace McCowan they have been in constant contact with investigators to ensure accountability for the crime.
“At first, it didn’t feel real,” said Cynthia Martinez, Kennedy’s aunt.
Neighbors reported hearing an argument followed by gunshots then cars leaving the scene.
Despite the celebration turning violent, people at the party did not call 911 after Sanders was shot, according to her family.
“Nobody is really speaking up,” Martinez said. “Like, the girls that were all there, nobody’s coming, up, speaking up, saying anything.”
Bates is being held without bond.
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