Georgia – In a brutal and senseless act of violence that has left a Georgia family shattered, a 16-year-old girl, identified as T. Hamilton, was gunned down just moments before she was supposed to head to her father’s home for Thanksgiving. Police say a 15-year-old boy, fueled by anger and bitterness over her loyalty to a lost love, pulled the trigger—ending the life of Hamilton in front of peers who had moments earlier mocked her grief. Now, that teenager is facing a slate of serious charges, including malice murder, first-degree child cruelty, possession of a firearm by someone under 16, and possession of a firearm during a felony.
The boy, whose name has not been released due to his age, was arrested shortly after the November 27 shooting. Investigators say he shot Hamilton at close range as she stood outside a home, waiting for an Uber. She was wearing her earphones, unaware that what started as a hostile exchange would turn deadly within minutes. The incident took place after a Thanksgiving gathering. Hamilton had gone to visit friends before heading to her father’s home to celebrate the holiday. But instead of a meal and family time, the day spiraled into tragedy one that would forever change the meaning of Thanksgiving for her loved ones.
Hamilton’s mother believes her daughter was set up. Speaking through heartbreak, she said that Hamilton’s so-called friends had lured her to the gathering. According to the victim’s mother, the 15-year-old boy and others began taunting her daughter over her decision to continue honoring the memory of her murdered boyfriend. “They were mad about her keeping her boyfriend’s name alive and they didn’t like that,” the mother told local media.
The entire confrontation was captured on doorbell camera footage. In the video, Hamilton can be seen calmly sitting outside, earphones in, while the other teens approach her. As the situation escalated, the 15-year-old pulled out a gun. Hamilton, undeterred, reportedly said, “I don’t care about no gun,” before turning her attention away. Witnesses say Hamilton eventually got in the boy’s face, frustrated by the taunting. That’s when the teenager fired—striking her fatally. Hamilton was rushed to a hospital but could not be saved. The victim’s mother, devastated, added, “He’s a monster. He shot her in cold blood.”
Hamilton was a high school sophomore. Her family describes her as a vibrant teen who brought joy to those around her. She was proud of being in the JROTC, loved fashion, and cherished her role as a girly girl. Her impact reached far beyond the classroom, touching students, teachers, and administrators alike. “She spread so much love,” her mother said. “But all her love couldn’t save her from her killer.” The violence shook the local community and prompted outrage, especially as a video of the shooting—captured on the home’s doorbell camera—began circulating on social media. Hamilton’s family is calling for consequences for anyone sharing the footage, which has only deepened their pain.
Hamilton will be laid to rest this Saturday. A GoFundMe has been established to support the family with funeral expenses and related costs. While charges have been filed against the teenage shooter, Hamilton’s family continues to search for peace and justice. Her mother, who saw the pain and isolation her daughter faced for simply remembering a lost loved one, expressed sorrow not just for her child but also for the boy who took her life. “I feel sorry for him that he’s that cold. To do something so monstrous,” she said. As the legal process unfolds, a grieving family prepares to bury a daughter whose only offense was loving too deeply and standing her ground.
