Atlanta, GA — On Sunday, July 14, the family of Chanell Crosby, a 35-year-old mother, reported her missing. Five days later, Atlanta police discovered her “unresponsive” on Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) property around 5:30 p.m., marking a tragic turn in her ongoing fight for justice.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Chanell Crosby’s death, aiming “to determine when and where the incident occurred,” according to a preliminary statement from the Atlanta Police Department.
The details of her passing have not been disclosed, maintaining a cloud of uncertainty over the investigation. John T. Predmore, spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department, declined to provide further details but assured that the investigation “remains active and ongoing.”
At the time of her death, Chanell Crosby was deeply involved in seeking justice for her 13-year-old son, Jamiren Crosby, who was fatally shot in September 2022. His body was found behind a townhome in Lithonia, a suburb of Atlanta. Despite efforts, no arrests have been made in connection with his death, as reported by 11Alive.
Tragically, Chanell’s family had previously faced similar heartache. Her brother, Darrio “Polo” Giles, was also fatally shot in an Atlanta apartment building on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW in April 2022. Like her son’s case, no arrests have been made in his murder either, Predmore confirmed.
Driven by her personal tragedies, Chanell Crosby established a foundation in her family’s name, focusing on issues like gun violence, police brutality, and community service. In a June 2023 interview with WSB-TV, she highlighted their efforts in painting shelters and supporting children’s and women’s shelters.
Describing her son as her “helper,” Chanell Crosby spoke fondly of Jamiren’s caring nature and academic achievements. She recounted poignant memories, such as being his date to his fifth-grade dance, a meaningful moment she cherished after missing her own prom.
Despite the challenges, Chanell Crosby remained determined that her son’s case would not be forgotten. In her words to WSB-TV, she expressed belief that “there are people out there” who hold crucial information.
Vanessa Wilson Lewis, who identified herself as an “auntie” figure, mourned Chanell’s death on a GoFundMe page, describing her as someone who “brought so much love and light into our lives.” Lewis lamented the tragic cycle of violence that claimed Chanell Crosby’s life, marking the third loss for their family.
As of now, police have not classified Chanell Crosby’s death as a homicide, leaving her family and community awaiting answers amidst grief and uncertainty.
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).