Toddler shot, killed at Sandy Springs apartment; father arrested

Sandy Springs father charged with murder in son's death

The father of a 2-year-old, who was shot and killed at a Sandy Springs apartment on Wednesday, has been arrested. Richard Willis was charged with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children following an investigation that revealed the weapon had not been properly stored.

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. - A toddler was shot and killed at a Sandy Springs apartment on Wednesday afternoon by his father, police said. 

2-year-old killed

What we know:

It happened around 2 p.m. at the Carlyle of Sandy Springs apartment residences located in the 2600 block of Sandalwood Drive. According to the Sandy Springs Police Department, a 2-year-old was found shot.

Medics attempted to revive the toddler, but the boy died at the scene.

Police arrested the boy's father, Richard Willis, in connection with the shooting.

Willis is charged with murder (2nd degree) and cruelty to children (2nd degree). He was taken to the Fulton County Jail. 

Crime scene tape surrounded a section of the complex as crews investigated.

‘That shouldn’t be happening’

What they're saying:

For hours, police cordoned off sections of the complex with crime scene tape as SKYFOX 5 captured footage of a heavy law enforcement presence and helicopters circling overhead.

Aalyhia Leggard, a resident who returned home to find the large crime scene outside her door, said the community is reeling from the news.

"I heard it was a 2-year-old in the neighborhood who accidentally got a hold of a gun," Leggard said. "It was helicopters flying around. They got cars all over the neighborhood. It’s very sad and unfortunate, actually."

Another neighbor, Ryan Joseph, expressed disbelief that such an incident could occur in his community.

"It’s very shocking and upsetting for sure," Joseph said. "That shouldn’t be happening to any child or adult. Just initial confusion. I wouldn’t think that would happen here."

Toddler shot and killed at Sandy Springs apartment

Sandy Springs police are investigating a tragic shooting that occurred on Wednesday afternoon, leaving a two-year-old child dead.

Investigation continues

What we don't know:

Sandy Springs police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the gunfire. 

Investigators have not released information regarding who was supervising the child at the time the shots were fired.