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A group of robbers murdered Samuel Harris Jr. and took his dog, Tequilla, police say. (Screenshot: WAGA; inset images: Atlanta Police Department)
Cops in Atlanta, Georgia, are seeking a group of suspects who allegedly shot and killed a man walking his dog before stealing the canine. Officers identified the victim as Samuel Harris Jr., 44, known as JR, and his pet Tequilla.
The police department was called to a shooting on Feb. 5, and officers responded at approximately 8:49 p.m. to 893 Mitchell St. They found Harris “lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to the head.” Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Police determined that a group of people targeted Harris and robbed him. Police did not, however, suggest any suspects, but on Monday the department released pictures of several people who may have witnessed the murder. You can see the images below.
Cops in Atlanta, Georgia, say these people may have seen the murder of Samuel Harris Jr. (Images: Atlanta Police Department)
From Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta:
At this time, the public’s assistance is being requested in providing any information related to this homicide.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Atlanta Police Department’s Homicide Unit directly at (404) 546-4235. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at (404) 577-TIPS (8477), online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637).
Officers said that people do not need to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for a reward, which is now up to $10,000.
“To be honest with you, I don’t even think I’m on the phone with you right now. I’m in a dream right now,” the victim’s wife of 15 years, Lea Harris, told Atlanta NBC affiliate WXIA. “I’m really just waiting to wake up.”
She voiced shock that someone would kill her husband over the now-missing dog.
“I can’t see someone being so inhumane that you would just take someone’s life for a dog,” she said. “So I’m trying to find a different motive because I know you just didn’t take my husband’s life for a dog.”
Harris’ family is raising money through GoFundMe to finance a reward to find the killer or killers.
“Can you imagine your son walking down the street with his dog, minding his business when suddenly people came and robbed him of his life and his dog,” his mother, Mary Boykins wrote. “Jr was loved by many, and he loved many. He had always been about love, family and peace. JR was a kind-hearted man with a zest for life and genuine love for God, family and people. His passion for dogs gave him a gentle aura and a quiet spirit giving him another piece of joy in life.”
