The teenage victim in a January shooting at an apartment complex in Flowery Branch has died from his injuries, leading authorities to elevate the case to a homicide investigation.
According to Flowery Branch Police Chief Chris Hulsey, Mateo Rizo, 19, died Friday morning.
Flowery Branch Police Officers found Rizo with a gunshot wound at about 9 p.m. on Jan. 10 at the Tree Park Apartments off Thurmon Tanner Parkway. He was reportedly found laying in the kitchen of a unit at the complex when officers arrived. They were able to administer first aid until Hall County Paramedics arrived. Rizo was then transported to a local hospital.
Hulsey said the agency is still searching for a suspect.
"We were looking at aggravated assault charges. Well, that just turned into murder charges," Hulsey said.
The suspect was described as a male wearing all dark clothing. They reportedly left the scene in a dark-colored four-door passenger car. Hulsey said the car may have been a dark red color.
Hulsey said they were waiting on phone records as well as subpoenas from various social media platforms as they continue the investigation.
"We definitely have leads," Hulsey said.
A preliminary investigation revealed the incident was drug-related.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Flowery Branch Police Department at 770-967-6336. Those with information can also submit a tip anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta by calling 404-577-8477. Tips can also be submitted online at www.stopcrimeatl.org.
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
