Ashton Former Campbell High School Student, Tragically Killed in Shooting at After-Prom Party; Suspect Carlos Diaz Arrested in Connection with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Firearm Charges

Powder Springs, Ga. – A devastating tragedy unfolded over the weekend in Powder Springs, Georgia, as Ashton [Last Name], a former student of Campbell High School, was fatally shot during a violent altercation at an after-prom party. The suspect, Carlos Diaz, has been arrested and is facing charges that include murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Published 52 minutes ago, March 10, 2025 | By Channel2 NOW Staff

In a heartbreaking turn of events on Saturday night, a shooting took place at a residence located on New MacLand Road in West Cobb County, leading to the loss of young life. Ashton [Last Name], identified in the arrest warrant as a juvenile under the age of 17, was tragically killed during what authorities described as an altercation at an after-prom gathering. The situation unfolded as tensions escalated among the attendees, ending in a fatal gunshot that has left a community reeling.

Authorities have confirmed the arrest of Carlos Diaz, the alleged perpetrator of the shooting. Diaz, who now faces multiple severe charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, was taken into custody after a swift investigation. However, details regarding the specifics of the altercation and the motive behind the violence remain limited at this time.

The loss of such a young life has had a profound impact not only on the victim’s family and friends but also on the local community, particularly the students and staff at Campbell High School, where Ashton [Last Name] was once a student. The school community was informed of the tragic event by Principal Dr. Vanessa Watkins, who issued a statement to parents and students on Sunday. Dr. Watkins expressed her deep sorrow for the loss, acknowledging the emotional toll the incident would undoubtedly have on those connected to the victim.

“With a heavy heart, I find myself typing the most devastating words for a principal to type or a parent to read,” Dr. Watkins wrote in the letter. “Late last night, at a house in West Cobb, a fight resulted in a former Campbell student losing their life. While this tragedy didn’t have anything to do with our school directly, we have already begun hearing how it is affecting our students.”

In light of the tragedy, Campbell High School has acted quickly to provide support services to students and staff in need of counseling or emotional guidance. The school’s response is aimed at helping the community cope with the emotional fallout from the shooting, particularly as many of the school’s students and faculty may have been closely connected to the victim. Dr. Watkins’ communication emphasized the importance of supporting each other during this difficult time and making resources available to those in need.

The shooting occurred in the context of an after-prom gathering, a typically celebratory event that tragically took a violent turn. At this stage, law enforcement has not yet disclosed the exact details surrounding the altercation that led to Ashton’s death, nor has the exact motive for the shooting been made public. It remains unclear whether the incident was a random act of violence or if there was some prior dispute between Diaz and the victim. Authorities have, however, assured the public that the investigation is ongoing, and further information will be shared as it becomes available.

The arrest of Carlos Diaz marks the first major step in the legal process, but the circumstances surrounding the shooting continue to raise more questions. Was this a case of self-defense? Was it premeditated? Could more individuals be involved in the violence? These are all questions that law enforcement and the community will be eager to have answered in the coming weeks.

The loss of Ashton [Last Name] has shaken the Powder Springs community to its core. Local residents, many of whom were familiar with the victim or with others who attended the after-prom party, have expressed their shock and sadness over the incident. As news of the shooting spread, many took to social media to express their condolences, offering prayers and support to the family and friends of the victim. Several former classmates and peers of Ashton have also publicly shared their grief, mourning the loss of someone they described as kind, intelligent, and full of potential.

In addition to the emotional toll, this incident has once again sparked concerns about the safety of gatherings involving minors, especially when alcohol or other substances might be present. While authorities have not yet confirmed whether these factors played a role in the shooting, the after-prom event where the shooting took place has raised questions about supervision and safety at social gatherings of this nature.

Local law enforcement, including the Cobb County Police Department, have been actively investigating the shooting. Officers responded quickly to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire at the New MacLand Road residence. Upon arriving, they found Ashton [Last Name] with what appeared to be fatal gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel attempted to provide aid, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Carlos Diaz, the suspect in the case, was apprehended shortly after the incident and was taken into custody without incident. He has since been charged with multiple offenses, including murder and aggravated assault. He is currently being held in the Cobb County Jail, awaiting a formal arraignment. Investigators have not yet revealed whether Diaz has a history of criminal behavior or any known relationship with Ashton, but the investigation is ongoing.

As for Ashton [Last Name]’s family, the grief is undoubtedly unimaginable. In times like these, words often fall short when attempting to express the profound sadness that such a loss brings. The victim’s loved ones have not yet made a public statement, but the support from the community has been overwhelming. Local churches, community organizations, and even strangers have rallied to offer condolences and assistance, whether through emotional support, financial donations, or other means.

The tragedy also serves as a somber reminder of the growing concerns about gun violence in communities across the nation. It is still too early to determine the specific causes of this incident, but the devastating consequences of a single act of violence have once again raised awareness about the need for action when it comes to preventing gun-related deaths, particularly among youth. Discussions about gun safety, mental health resources, and community outreach are likely to intensify as a result of this shooting.

At this time, the investigation is still in its early stages, and additional information may be released as authorities continue to piece together the events that led to Ashton’s untimely death. The Cobb County Police Department has urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, as even the smallest detail could potentially help shed light on the circumstances of the crime.

For now, the focus remains on the victims—the family and friends who have lost a loved one, the classmates and teachers who are grappling with the grief of losing a peer, and the entire community that has been left in shock. This senseless act of violence has created a ripple effect that will be felt for years to come.

As investigators work to uncover the truth, one thing is certain: Ashton [Last Name] will be remembered by those who knew them as someone full of promise and potential, someone whose life was tragically cut short far too soon. The community will no doubt continue to mourn this loss, and efforts to support those affected will remain at the forefront of the community’s response to this heartbreaking tragedy.

At this stage, authorities are urging anyone with any further information related to the shooting to reach out to the Cobb County Police Department or Crime Stoppers. The investigation is still ongoing, and the public’s help may prove crucial in bringing further clarity to the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful night.

As the legal process moves forward, it remains to be seen what the next steps will be for Carlos Diaz, the alleged shooter, as he faces charges that carry severe penalties under Georgia state law. Meanwhile, the community of Powder Springs and Campbell High School continue to process the shock of this tragic loss and begin to heal from the wounds caused by this senseless act of violence.