A tragic case of mistaken identity led to the death of a young Georgia woman, Ne’Jha Cox, who was fatally shot while on her way to a store with her boyfriend and 2-year-old son. Prosecutors believe the assailants, local gang members, mistook the car Cox was in for that of a rival gang member. The incident occurred nearly a year ago on Hollywood Road in Atlanta.
Cox’s unharmed toddler son was a helpless witness to his mother’s final moments. The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office and Atlanta Police have confirmed that the 21-year-old mother died at the scene. Jamal Baker, 24, the shooter, was convicted this week, almost a year after his arrest for the 2024 shooting.
Amanda Green, assistant district attorney for the DA’s gang unit, shared the heartbreaking details of the incident. She revealed that the child was present throughout the ordeal, watching his mother bleed until she was no longer alive. District Attorney Fani Willis emphasized that Cox had no involvement in gang activities or criminal life.
Baker, who was 23 at the time of the shooting, was accompanied by two other individuals. Surveillance footage captured Baker firing at Cox’s vehicle. A jury found him guilty of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and second-degree cruelty to children. He was sentenced to life without parole plus 65 years.
Green noted the severity of the attack, stating that the vehicle was shot at 39 times. Willis added that the traumatic experience of a 2-year-old watching his mother die was no laughing matter.
A second suspect, 19-year-old Cartez Harvey, was arrested last year. He was also charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and second-degree cruelty to children. A third defendant was apprehended and charged as well. Both Harvey and the third defendant are set to go on trial later this month.