During what should have been a carefree sleepover, a 13-year-old boy was tragically killed when the house he was staying at became the target of a suspected gang shooting. This incident also claimed the life of a man present at the scene.
In the early hours of July 2, a drive-by shooting erupted in Gresham Park, Georgia. A barrage of bullets struck the home, resulting in the deaths of young Demarcus Shirley and 45-year-old Chauncey Newman, as well as a dog, according to Atlanta News First.
“He had so much to live for,” lamented his great-uncle, Greg Carthon, reflecting on the loss. “Demarcus was cherished by our family.”
While the exact motive of the attack remains under investigation, authorities suggest gang activity might have been a factor, as mentioned in an arrest warrant obtained by KPTV. However, those who knew Shirley deny any connection to gang life.
“He was never involved in street activities. Demarcus was simply a light-hearted kid who loved to play and have fun like any typical child,” shared Larry Bell-Ware, another youngster who was present during the sleepover.
“Demarcus had too much to live. He died too young,” he said.
Shirley was having an innocent slumber party with friends when the shots rang out as they slept, according to Larenzo Pinkins, the pal who found him.
“We had come upstairs, and I had seen him, and I tried to grab him, and he was dead,” Pinkins told 11Alive of the pal who was “really like my little brother for real.”
Keyshun Webb, 21, has since been charged with two counts of murder for killing the young teen and Newman.
Webb was also slapped with eight counts of aggravated assault, and an animal cruelty charge.
Shots were fired from a car Webb was driving around the time of the shooting, according to the warrant.
Webb was also allegedly involved in another drive-by shooting on the same day, the warrant says.
Cops suspect four people, including Webb, and two cars were involved in the shootings. The other suspects have not been identified.
“The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring individuals accused of violent crimes are located and brought into custody,” DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox said.