Shortly after 2:27 a.m. on Sunday, the sound of gunfire shattered the early hours in the 3000 block of Moreland Avenue in DeKalb County, Georgia. When officers arrived, they found a young woman, later identified as Kinaya Hightower, suffering from life-threatening injuries. Despite rapid efforts by emergency responders, her life could not be saved. Her death has now become the focal point of a criminal investigation.
According to law enforcement, the shooting erupted during a car meet-up at the gas station. Investigators say Hightower was not part of the altercation — she was caught in the crossfire. The gathering reportedly spiralled into gunfire before anyone realized just how fatal it would become. No one has been arrested yet, and investigators are piecing together surveillance footage and witness statements.
The location — a well-used meet-up spot near Moreland Avenue — had drawn a crowd in the early morning hours. Friends and community observers say the atmosphere was lively, until it wasn’t. The routine became a perfect storm: late hours, many vehicles, some unsupervised, and the sudden eruption of gunfire. Authorities say those who fired fled the scene before police arrived, and they are now asking for help from the public.
Family and friends of Hightower describe her as the kind of person who lit up a room. In many accounts, she was celebrating her birthday — planning a day full of joy, only for it to be shattered without warning. Community members gathered to mourn, some clutching balloons, others sharing memories of her bright smile. The loss is felt deeply, especially because she wasn’t the target; she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In the wake of the shooting, neighbors voiced concern over large spontaneous car gatherings — especially late at night and with scant oversight. Some say they’d long worried about possible violence or accidents, and now their fears have been confirmed in the most tragic way. For them, this isn’t just another headline. It’s a wake-up call.
Investigators with the DeKalb County Police Department’s Homicide Unit are reviewing surveillance video from the station and the nearby area, canvassing witnesses, and following leads. They’re also asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-8477 — tips can be submitted anonymously.
As the community holds its breath for answers, the question remains: how do we safeguard against such violence — especially when innocent people are killed simply because they’re nearby? Hightower’s family, her friends, and the neighborhood are demanding more than just an arrest. They want change. And they want it now.
The investigation remains open and ongoing. Authorities say they will release updates as more information becomes available.
