DeKalb County, Georgia — A month after a deadly shooting inside a Georgia home claimed the lives of a 13-year-old boy and a 45-year-old man, authorities have arrested another suspect in a case that has left families and a community grieving.
The newly arrested suspect is 16 years old and faces a total of 17 criminal charges, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not released the teenager’s name because of his age.
13-Year-Old and Adult Man Killed During Sleepover
The deadly incident happened during the early morning hours of July 2 inside a DeKalb County residence. Authorities previously said Demarcus Shirley, 13, and Chauncey Newman, 45, were killed after gunfire erupted inside the home.
Several other people were reportedly present at the time because of a sleepover. Fortunately, those individuals were not injured.
For those inside the house, however, the shooting became a terrifying experience that would change their lives permanently. Two people who were present during the incident later described the moments surrounding Demarcus’ death.
Teen Suspect Faces 17 Criminal Charges
On Tuesday, Aug. 11, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office announced that investigators had arrested the 16-year-old suspect with assistance from the U.S. Marshals.
The teenager now faces 17 charges, including:
- Two counts of malice murder
- 10 counts of aggravated assault
- Four counts of violation of the Street Gang Act
- One count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
Because the suspect is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly identified him.
Sheriff Melody M. Maddox described the shooting as a senseless act of violence that took two innocent lives and left families and the surrounding community suffering.
She said investigators worked diligently to locate the suspect and emphasized that authorities would continue pursuing people accused of violent crimes.
Another Suspect Was Previously Arrested
The latest arrest is not the first in the case. Authorities previously arrested 21-year-old Keyshun Webb on July 7, just days after the shooting.
Webb was charged with two counts of murder, eight counts of aggravated assault with a weapon and one count of cruelty to animals, according to authorities.
The investigation has continued since the original shooting as detectives worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify everyone allegedly involved.
Friends Remember Demarcus as a Normal Kid
For those who knew Demarcus, his death was particularly painful because they said he was simply a young teenager enjoying time with friends.
Larenzo Pinkins, who was inside the home during the shooting, recalled discovering Demarcus after the gunfire. Pinkins said he was grateful that he survived but struggled with the fact that Demarcus did not.
“Demarcus had too much life to live. He died too young,” Pinkins said.
Another person present, Larry Bell-Ware, emphasized that Demarcus was not involved in street activity. Bell-Ware described him as “just a funny little kid who liked to run around and play like a normal little kid.”
Investigation Continues as Families Seek Justice
The latest arrest represents another major development in the investigation, but authorities have not indicated that the case is over.
With two suspects now facing charges, investigators continue working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting and determine the roles each person allegedly played.
For Demarcus’ loved ones, the case remains about much more than criminal charges. A 13-year-old boy lost his life during what should have been an ordinary sleepover, leaving family and friends to cope with a loss they say never should have happened.
Authorities are expected to continue pursuing evidence as the criminal proceedings move forward. The allegations against both suspects remain unproven unless established in court.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? How can communities better protect young people from violence during gatherings and sleepovers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
