Family mourns man shot and killed on Christmas Eve - KMSP-TV

Police are searching for clues in the death of an 18-year-old man shot and killed on Christmas Eve.

Authorities said that Josh Watson was shot in a shopping center parking lot just before midnight. He was making the short walk from a MARTA bus stop to his mother's home.

Watson had left his job at the Atlanta airport and was headed home near Lakewood Amphitheater to celebrate Christmas with his family.

"It's Christmas. Why would you take my baby away on Christmas? Christmas day," said Geannie Watson, Josh's mother.

Watson was an artist who hoped to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design. Art and his church were his passions.

"My brother is my rock. He always kept the family together," said Armina Watson.

"He was known for hugs, always active in the church. He was a junior elder in the church," said Geannie Watson.

Geannie Watson says her son was excited about giving her a Christmas gift when he got home from work when she talked with him on Christmas morning.

"I said, ‘Be careful. I love you.' He said, ‘I love you too ma.' That's the last thing he said to me," said Geannie Watson.

Josh's wallet was taken. The family believes this was an attempted robbery and they are asking anyone who knows about the crime to step forward.

"I can only say what my brother would say he would try to tell me to love them, you got to forgive," said Armina Watson.

Josh Watson's family has set up a fund at Wells Fargo Bank for his burial.

Atlanta police have no suspects and have made no arrests yet. They are reviewing surveillance video in the area. The family and police are asking anyone with information to step forward.