16-year-old girl killed by stray bullet on 4th of July

Fulton County Police are searching for the person responsible for firing shots during the 4th of July, one of which struck and killed a 16-year-old girl in her own home.

The incident happened late Saturday night on Harper Valley Drive in south Fulton County.

 Family members say the deceased, 16-year-old Rasheedah Evans, was an honor roll student at Banneker High School in College Park.

"[The bullet] came through the wall and struck her behind the ear," says her uncle Patrick Muhammad.

"She was sitting on the couch with her headphones," he says.

"I heard gunshots real close to the house. I came down and she was unresponsive," says stepfather

Rashad Salaam, still reeling from her death.

Police are calling neighbor 23-year-old Marcel Smith a person of interest wanted for questioning in the case, and believe he may know who fired the stray bullet.

"We believe someone was shooting outside Mr. Smith's house," says Lt. Scott McBride. Police believe the teen's death was an accident.

"Fleeing the scene allows us to not believe its an accident. We want it to be an accident," says Muhammad, who is pleading with family members for Smith to come forward to police.  

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (404) 577-8477.