Home / Crime and Justice / Crossbody Bag Saves Teen in MARTA Shooting
Crossbody Bag Saves Teen in MARTA Shooting
10 Jun
Summary
- A 17-year-old was shot multiple times on a MARTA train in Atlanta.
- A crossbody bag may have prevented a fatal injury to the teen.
- A convicted felon, Anthony Gresham, was arrested and charged.
On June 5, a 17-year-old boy named J'Von Easterling was shot multiple times while on a stationary MARTA train at the Midtown station in Atlanta. Easterling, a student returning from Georgia Tech, sustained severe injuries to his hand and leg. His crossbody bag is credited with preventing a bullet from hitting his chest.
Easterling has undergone surgeries for his leg and requires further treatment for his hand. KIPP Atlanta Schools praised him as an exceptional student and leader. On June 9, 42-year-old Anthony Gresham of Lithia Springs was arrested and charged with federal offenses, including firearm possession by a convicted felon and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Gresham allegedly fired three shots at Easterling after approaching him on the train. He fled the scene but was apprehended two days later. Gresham has a prior record including convictions for armed robbery and aggravated assault. This incident follows another violent event on a MARTA train last month where a woman was fatally stabbed.
