EAST POINT, Ga. — New details and a reward were announced in a deadly double shooting that took the life of a 24-year-old mother-of-two at a Saturday block party in East Point, according to the police department.
East Point Police Department said the $3,000 reward would be offered to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and indictment of the person responsible for Andrea Priester's death.
It happened on Saturday night at a party where police said over 100 people were in attendance. Police said calls came around 11:16 p.m. stating that gunshots were heard near Cedar Avenue and Harlan Drive. When officers with the East Point Police Department arrived, they were told that two people had been shot.
Police said that Priester was sitting in the back seat of a car when the shooting happened, adding that someone was shooting in the direction of the car. Police said she was shot in the back and was told she and another victim were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Priester leaves behind two sons, six-year-old Jonathan and two-year-old Joshua.
"I miss my mommy. And I want her back," Jonathan said.
That same pain is reverberating through the entire Priester family. Andrea's parents, Sherry Woodberry and Andrew Priester, are still processing their emotions.
"I'm not going to lie, I'm angry," Woodberry said.
"Yeah, it's a lot of anger," Andrew said.
"I'm angry. It just seems so unfair," Woodberry said.
Woodberry said her daughter died from a senseless act of violence.
Sgt. J. L. Watkins is the public information officer with East Point Police.
"Unfortunately, right now, as far as the gun situation goes, it's not a good situation," Watkins said.
Andrew said he couldn't believe someone would take his daughter from him.
"I'm still kind of in shock," Andrew said.
Andrew said he wouldn't wish this pain on any parent.
"It's very hard," Andrew said. "A parent should never have to bury their child."
The family said Andrea was simply going to the party to have a good time on the 4th of July weekend, as she loved to celebrate.
"On Father's Day, she brought the grandkids, both of my grandkids, to see me. We went to a water park and just spent the whole day together," Andrew continued, "Didn't think that would be the last time that we'd be spending time together like that."
Woodberry said having fun should never end with the loss of a life. And catching who did this would ease the pain.
"That would help some because we need answers. And then, we want...whenever these kids get older—they're going to want answers.," Woodberry said. "And we want to have the answers for them."
Watkins said he believes someone must have seen the shooting and is asking anyone with information to come forward.
"We would definitely love to make an arrest, in this case, as soon as possible to get that person off the streets," Watkins said.
The family said they are holding a candlelight vigil for Andrea Friday, at 7 p.m. on Cedar Avenue, where she was killed.
There is also an online fundraiser. You can click here to help.
