Tragedy in Mableton Turns Deadly: Family of 13-Year-Old De’Siyah Reed Seeks Community Support via GoFundMe

The Mableton community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 13-year-old De’Siyah Reed, who died after being shot in the head on Monday, July 21, 2025, near the 1900 block of Padgett Drive in Cobb County.

Despite emergency efforts, De’Siyah—affectionately nicknamed “Turtle”—tragically passed away on Thursday, surrounded by family. Described as a bright, loving, and funny young man who left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, De’Siyah’s parents shared:

“He deserved more time, more laughter, more life.”

This senseless act of violence has devastated his family and sent shockwaves throughout the Mableton community.

De’Siyah was reportedly walking through his neighborhood when he was struck by gunfire. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but sadly did not survive.

Three juveniles have been arrested in connection with the shooting. They face murder and aggravated assault charges. Their names have not been released due to their ages. Police have described the incident as isolated, though the motive remains unclear.

Neighbors reported hearing a sudden burst of gunfire—”pow pow pow”—and ran outside to find De’Siyah lying on the ground. One resident held his hand and urged him to keep breathing until help arrived.

In the wake of the tragedy, many parents in the area are now keeping their children indoors. A SWAT team served search warrants related to the investigation, and Cobb County Police’s Major Crimes Unit continues door-to-door efforts in search of witnesses and evidence.

Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities at 770-499-3945.

As De’Siyah’s family grieves and begins the painful process of funeral planning, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support them. Your donation will go toward funeral and memorial expenses.

Community members are also organizing a vigil in De’Siyah’s memory. Event details will be shared once finalized.

In this time of deep sorrow, Mableton must come together—in grief, in love, and in solidarity—to honor a young life taken too soon and to support a family in mourning. Please show the De’Siyah’s family that they are not alone.