2-Year-Old Dies After Shooting at Sandy Springs Apartment

UPDATE: The child’s father, Richard Willis, has been arrested in connection with the death. The investigation revealed that the incident resulted from an improperly secured firearm. As a result, Willis has been charged with Second-Degree Murder and Second-Degree Cruelty to Children. Willis is in custody at the Fulton County Jail.

Original Post:

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A 2-year-old child is dead after suffering a gunshot wound Wednesday afternoon at an apartment complex in Sandy Springs.

Officers with the Sandy Springs Police Department responded around 2:00 p.m. on February 18, 2026, to the 2600 block of Sandalwood Drive following reports of a shooting involving a young child.

When officers and emergency medical personnel arrived, they attempted life-saving measures. The child was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police say the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting. At this time, authorities say there is no known threat to the community.

Additional details will be released as they become available.