Photo: gofundme
Authorities in Georgia have announced the cause of death of Chanell Crosby, a woman who had recently lost both her son and brother to gun violence. Chanell Crosby, 35, died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, which ruled her death a homicide. The medical examiner’s report, obtained by PEOPLE, indicated that her body showed signs of decomposition when it was found.
Crosby was reported missing by her family on July 14, the Atlanta Police Department stated in their announcement following her death. She was last seen leaving for a trip to Macon, Georgia, with her boyfriend, WSB TV reported. On July 19, police responded to a report of an unresponsive person and found Crosby “not alert, conscious, or breathing” in Atlanta, Georgia, according to the Atlanta PD’s statement. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
At the time of her death, Crosby had been actively seeking answers in the killing of her son, 13-year-old Jamiren Crosby, who was fatally shot minutes away from his home in Lithonia, Georgia, as reported by 11 Alive News. Earlier in April, Chanell’s brother had been found fatally shot in an Atlanta apartment complex after winning $4,000 in a slot machine, according to their family.
In response to these tragic events, Chanell started a foundation in her family’s name, focusing on gun violence, police brutality, and community service. “We went around painting shelters, donating to children’s shelters and women’s shelters,” she told WSB-TV in June 2023.
Despite her efforts, no arrests had been made in Jamiren’s murder by the time Chanell died. As of the filing of this report, no information was available on the Atlanta PD website regarding any updates in the investigation into Chanell’s death.
A GoFundMe has been set up to assist Chanell’s family with funeral expenses and provide resources for the three children she left behind. The community mourns the loss of a woman who, despite her personal tragedies, dedicated herself to helping others and advocating against gun violence.
Chanell Crosby’s death adds to the string of family tragedies, highlighting the devastating impact of gun violence and the ongoing search for justice for her and her loved ones.
If you have information pertaining to Chanell Crosby’s death, you may contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta Tip Line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637).
