It’s not always easy to find a job when you’re young. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it might not even be what you want to do, but earning a paycheck is better than being broke. Rashawn Mackey, a 17-year-old boy in Georgia, was trying to make some cash delivering food when tragedy unfolded. Mackey stopped at an Atlanta gas station in the early morning hours of April 14, 2026. While there, someone shot and killed the teen. Police desperately want help finding the person responsible for taking a young life for seemingly no reason.
Police quickly responded to the call.
WSB-TV reported that police arrived at a BP gas station on Metropolitan Parkway around 2:30 a.m. They found Mackey with a gunshot wound to the chest. Sadly, Mackey succumbed to his wounds at the scene, never even making it to a hospital for treatment.
Homicide Lt. Christapher Butler, told WSB-TV there was some kind of commotion prior to the shooting.
“He was out doing some Uber Eats, and he encountered a male at the gas station who was apparently upset about something while inside the store and led to a couple shots,” Butler said of Mackey.
WSB-TV contacted Uber Eats, which claimed Mackey did not work directly for the company but was likely doing “gig work” delivering food.
The suspect and Mackey apparently did not know each other.
It’s unclear how many witnesses saw the shooting, but Butler told WSB-TV that they’ve spoken to others about the deadly night. It didn’t appear Mackey had a prior relationship with the suspect.
“He was with some other people, we’ve spoken to them. It appears it was just a group of people out just picking up some orders,” Butler said.
The BP station reportedly gave police access to surveillance footage, and they hope to identify a suspect.
“We’re going to try to roll back the video and see what we have and get the total timeline,” Butler said.
Loved ones held a balloon release in Mackey’s honor.
Footage of the event appeared on the @youvebeenlovegrammedbackup Instagram page.
“IN LOVING MEMORY OF RASHAWN AKA BIGGS Lovegram was call to the balloon release of this young man as he tragically loss his life two days ago in Atlanta,” the video’s caption reads. “Lovegram was called to comfort his mom and family put your hearts up for the family strength.”
The news of the teenager’s death has saddened many who believe he lost his life just trying to do his job.
“Poor baby wasn’t out here in the streets he was working being positive. I hate thus world. Sending my condolences,” someone commented.
“y’all… Why?? What is really going on? These children Cant make a honest earnings anymore? Our children Cant go to the store, school, parks, play outside in front of their houses, parties, events etc… this isn’t right like we are in a spiritual warfare.. i pray you cover this family and any other families who have lost their loved ones to gun violence,” another person added.
Gun violence is never the answer. But unless we see big changes from our leaders, these stories will continue to plague our society.
