Family of Slain Teen, Reuben Hand, Sues MARTA

Jan 21, 2011 - 12:01
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Family of Slain Teen, Reuben Hand, Sues MARTA
Reuben Hand

ATLANTA - The family of a 14-year-old boy who was stabbed to death at a downtown Atlanta train station after ringing in the new year at the city's Peach Drop celebration claims that an officer ignored his pleas for help.

A lawsuit filed this week in Fulton County Superior Court by the family of Rueben Hand claims MARTA officers did nothing when he told them a man was following and threatening him. It said minutes later, the assailant approached Hand from behind and slashed his throat. A MARTA spokesman declined immediate comment.

Hand's family said the teenager was trying to get on a MARTA train when a man accused him of stealing a cell phone. An argument broke out, and he was killed.

Authorities charged 36-year-old Tommy Christopher Collins in the killing, which took place a few blocks from the Peach Drop.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.