A tragic incident in DeKalb County, Georgia, has left two families mourning after a 13-year-old boy and a 45-year-old man were fatally shot when a gunman opened fire on a home during a sleepover. The young victim has been identified as Demarcus Shirley, whose life was sadly cut short in an event that shocked the community.
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On the morning of 2nd July, authorities reported that multiple rounds were fired into a residence on Rockcliff Road, striking both Shirley and Chauncey Newman. According to local reports, Shirley was among several young boys staying over at the house for a sleepover, while fortunately, the other occupants were unharmed during the terrifying attack.
Shirley’s great-uncle, Gregory Carthon, spoke to local media, reflecting on the promising future that lay ahead for the young boy: “He seemed eager to learn. Kind of athletic. He had a lot of life in front of him.” Family and friends are grappling with the loss of a child who they described as vibrant and full of potential.
In connection with the shooting, 21-year-old Keyshun Webb was arrested on 7th July and is currently held without bail at the DeKalb County Jail. He faces serious charges, including two counts of murder, eight counts of aggravated assault with a weapon, and one count of cruelty to animals. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to various media outlets that Webb is a suspect in a related drive-by shooting on the same day as the incident at the home.
Evidence collected at both shooting sites suggests that they may be linked, with video footage and matching shell casings indicating Webb’s potential involvement. Preliminary investigations also revealed that gang-related activity is likely, although the authorities have not identified any additional suspects. Reports suggest that the shootings may have involved two vehicles and several male perpetrators.
In the aftermath of the tragic shooting, two of the young boys present at the sleepover, Larenzo Pinkins and Larry Bell-Ware, recounted their harrowing experience. Pinkins recalled the moment he discovered his friend: “I had seen him, and I tried to grab him, and he was dead, Demarcus. I’m happy it wasn’t me. I’m happy I wasn’t hit, but it should’ve been me, though, before Demarcus. Demarcus had too much life to live. He died too young.”
Bell-Ware echoed similar sentiments about his late friend, portraying him as a carefree child who enjoyed playing just like any other boy his age. Reflecting on the adult victim, Newman, he stated, “He was just a good person in general,” noting how Newman welcomed children who needed a place to go.
The local community is reeling from this senseless act of violence, with many calling for increased recognition of the issues surrounding gun violence, particularly in relation to its impact on children. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation, and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details regarding possible motives or further suspects.
As the investigation continues, friends and family will remember both Shirley and Newman for the lives they lived. Acts of remembrance, as well as wider conversations about gun violence and safety in communities, are beginning to surface as people seek to honour their memories in the wake of this tragedy.