9-Month-Old Baby Shot and Killed at Georgia Motel: Suspect Arrested

Tragic Shooting at Cobb County Motel Claims Infant Life

A devastating shooting at a Georgia motel has claimed the life of a 9-month-old baby girl, sending shockwaves through the Cobb County community. The incident occurred Tuesday evening, September 24, 2025, at the Budgetel Inn & Suites located at 4900 Circle 75 Parkway, near the popular Battery entertainment district in Smyrna.

Cobb County Police responded to emergency calls around 8:00 PM after the child's mother frantically called 911 to report that her daughter had been shot. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the infant victim beyond lifesaving measures, and she was subsequently pronounced dead at the location.

The tragedy has highlighted growing concerns about gun violence affecting innocent victims, particularly children, in what should be safe environments. This incident marks another heartbreaking case where an infant became an unintended casualty of gun violence in Georgia.

Ladarrius Brown: Arrest and Charges Filed

Law enforcement authorities moved swiftly to identify and apprehend the suspect responsible for this heinous crime. On Wednesday afternoon, Cobb County Police announced the arrest of 22-year-old Ladarrius T. Brown in connection with the infant's death.

Formal Charges Against the Suspect

Brown faces three serious criminal charges related to the shooting death of the 9-month-old victim:

• Felony Murder - The most serious charge, carrying potential life imprisonment
• Aggravated Assault - Reflecting the violent nature of the attack
• Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony - An additional weapons-related charge

The suspect is currently being held at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center without bond, ensuring he remains in custody while the legal proceedings move forward. The denial of bond reflects the severity of the charges and the tragic nature of the victim's age.

Heartbreaking Witness Testimonies

Several witnesses at the Budgetel Inn provided emotional accounts of the tragic events and shared touching memories of the young victim. Their testimonies paint a picture of a beloved child whose life was cut tragically short.

Witness Descriptions of the Victim

Sasha Murphy, who had been caring for the baby earlier that day, provided a heartbreaking description of the infant: "She had big, beautiful brown eyes. And like I said, she didn't have much hair, but enough to put it in like a little ponytail with a little pink bow. It's super cute. And then we put the little romper on her to cover her diaper. She was adorable."

Murphy also described her emotional connection to the child: "She brings joy to my life. My kids are all grown, so I don't have babies around me like that. So, when I see babies, I feel a certain type of way."

Another witness, Dessi Huntington, who regularly helped babysit the infant, expressed overwhelming grief and self-blame: "No matter what, I would protect that child, and I blame myself. Every time I try to stop thinking about her, I always hear her little squeals, her little laugh, no matter what I do."

Witness Account of the Shooting

One anonymous witness provided insight into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, suggesting that someone may have been targeting another individual but struck the infant instead. "It's sad because I just met the baby, and the baby was really precious," the witness stated.

Murphy described hearing the gunfire: "All I heard was the gunshots go off. And like I said, it was multiple gunshots. Like they had a clip or a switch on them."

Ongoing Police Investigation

The Cobb County Police Department's Major Crimes Unit has taken the lead in investigating this tragic incident. Detectives returned to the motel scene on Wednesday to conduct thorough evidence collection, including processing fingerprints and photographing bullet holes found in the motel windows.

Evidence Collection and Scene Analysis

Investigators are working meticulously to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the infant's death. The physical evidence at the scene, including bullet trajectory analysis and witness statements, will be crucial in building a comprehensive case against the accused.

According to witness reports, a mother was seen rushing into the motel lobby with her baby in a stroller, desperately seeking help after discovering her child had been shot. This heartbreaking scene underscores the sudden and shocking nature of the violence that erupted at the location.

Budgetel Inn Location and Area Context

The Budgetel Inn & Suites where the shooting occurred is located on Circle 75 Parkway, in close proximity to The Battery, a popular entertainment and shopping district adjacent to Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. This location typically sees significant foot traffic and is considered part of the greater Atlanta metropolitan area's entertainment corridor.

The motel's location near major attractions makes this incident particularly concerning for local authorities and community leaders, as it occurred in an area frequented by families and visitors to the region.

Suspect's Previous Criminal Record

Court records reveal that Ladarrius Brown has a history of previous criminal convictions in Cobb County, which may be considered during sentencing if he is convicted in this case. His prior charges include:

• Theft-related offenses
• Battery charges
• Weapon violations
• Loitering charges

This criminal history suggests a pattern of unlawful behavior that escalated to this tragic fatal shooting. The previous weapons charges are particularly relevant given the current firearm-related charges he faces.

Community Impact and Safety Concerns

This tragic incident has raised serious questions about safety in public accommodations and the ongoing issue of gun violence affecting innocent victims. The fact that a 9-month-old infant became a casualty in what appears to have been targeted violence highlights the random and devastating nature of such crimes.

Local community leaders and law enforcement are emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and cooperation from witnesses to help solve violent crimes and prevent future tragedies. The swift arrest in this case demonstrates the effectiveness of community cooperation with law enforcement efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the suspect arrested in the Georgia motel shooting?

The suspect is 22-year-old Ladarrius T. Brown, who has been charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

Where did the shooting occur?

The tragic shooting took place at the Budgetel Inn & Suites located at 4900 Circle 75 Parkway in Cobb County, Georgia, near The Battery entertainment district and Truist Park.

What time did the shooting happen?

Cobb County Police responded to the shooting around 8:00 PM on Tuesday, September 24, 2025, after the infant's mother called 911 to report her daughter had been shot.

Was the baby targeted specifically?

According to witness accounts, it appears the infant may have been an unintended victim, with one witness suggesting someone was trying to shoot someone else but hit the baby instead.

Are more arrests expected in this case?

Yes, Cobb County Police have indicated they anticipate additional arrests as their investigation continues. The Major Crimes Unit is still actively working the case.

How can people help with the investigation?

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Cobb County Police Department Major Crimes Unit at (770) 499-3945.