On the late afternoon of November 8, 2024, officers answered a shooting call at 2400 Windsor Woods Lane in unincorporated Norcross and found 16-year-old José Yahir Batz fatally wounded by at least one gunshot. Investigators say an altercation involving at least two people escalated to gunfire and that a large pile of cash was found near his body, suggesting a transaction may have preceded the confrontation.

Homicide detectives canvassed the Huntington Ridge Apartments and conducted interviews; one unidentified person was detained briefly in the immediate aftermath. The probe continued for more than two weeks and led to the arrest of 17-year-old Jason Joel Ortiz of Norcross on November 27, 2024. Ortiz was booked on charges including felony murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and are seeking tips.

If anyone has information about what happened to José Yahir Batz or witnessed activity at the Huntington Ridge Apartments on November 8, please share what you know.