Atlanta Father of 20 Shot and Killed Outside Bus Station
*D’Anthony Reaves, a 44-year-old Atlanta man and father to 20 children, was fatally shot on July 19, 2025. The incident happened near the Greyhound bus station on Forsyth Street around 5:30 a.m., according to police.
Police say Reaves was in the middle of an armed robbery when he was shot. He suffered two gunshot wounds to the face and one to the arm, resulting in his death at the scene.
Police Say Reaves Was Shot During Armed Robbery Attempt
Atlanta homicide detectives confirmed the case has been classified as a “felon killed by a private citizen.” Reaves was reportedly attempting to rob someone who had just arrived by bus.
Further details on the incident have not yet been released. The shooter’s identity has not been disclosed, and no charges have been filed as of now, the Independent is reporting.
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Reaves Leaves Behind 20 Children and a Grieving Family
Reaves had 12 biological children and 8 stepchildren, ranging in age from 10 to 31. Ten of them attended his funeral on August 2 at North Avenue Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta.
The service drew a large crowd, with mourners lining up to the parking lot. Family and friends remembered him as a father who deeply loved his children.
“My dad was like a crazy dancer, but I will always remember the music standpoint. Because some of us make music, all of us are musically inclined, and some of us play instruments. So my dad passed that musical gene down to all of us,” said his daughter Sha’Miracle Brown.
“He loved his kids. You could ask anyone, any single person, and they would say we were his pride and joy,” she added.
Family Launches Foundation in Reaves’ Name
Reaves’ family is launching a foundation in his name to support his children and help other fathers find a better path in life. The foundation will focus on helping men leave the streets and build better futures.
“We’re fixing to open up the D’Anthony Reaves foundation so we’ll be able to serve his kids so they’ll be taken care of,” said his brother Deoinetea Hightower. She added: “We got the Power for the Fathers represented for him as well, where we help the fathers get off the street and get their lives back together.”
Family Urges Gun Law Reforms After Tragic Death
Hightower is also calling for changes in state and transportation gun policies. He wants Greyhound to end its policy that allows passengers to travel with firearms across state lines.
He is urging Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to strengthen local gun laws, especially to keep firearms away from youth and prevent further tragedies.
Online Reaction Sparks Debate About Legacy and Crime
Reaves’ death has led to mixed reactions online. Some users expressed sympathy for his children and the family’s loss. Others criticized the circumstances surrounding his death and questioned why he was being honored.
“Why am I hearing seemingly decent comments about this guy? Why is he trying to rob anyone?” wrote one commenter.
“What kind of community comes out to celebrate a man armed to hurt people?” another asked. “Build a foundation for what? Teaching them what?”
Why This Story Has Captured National Attention
Reaves’ story has become a flashpoint in ongoing discussions about crime, fatherhood, and second chances. Supporters of the new foundation hope it will change lives and provide opportunities for fathers facing challenges like Reaves did.
At the same time, the shooting has reignited debates about public safety, gun laws, and the way we remember people with complex lives. As the investigation continues, Reaves’ family remains focused on honoring his memory through service and community work.
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