Teen Boy, 13, and Grandmother Charged After 8-Year-Old Cousin Was Shot and Killed with Firearm

Teen Boy and Grandmother Face Charges After Tragic Death of 8-Year-Old Cousin

A 13-year-old boy and his grandmother have been arrested and charged following the devastating incident where an 8-year-old boy lost his life to a firearm. The teen allegedly gained access to a 9mm gun and fatally shot his cousin in the face. The tragic event unfolded on July 11, leading to the arrest of the young boy and his grandmother, Knisha Ann Perkins, on July 15.

The 13-year-old has been charged with felony murder and aggravated assault, while Perkins faces three counts of cruelty to children in the second degree along with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The heart-wrenching incident took place in Bainbridge, Georgia, at the residence of Perkins. The victim was identified as Kylen Powell, and the accused teen’s identity has been protected due to his age.

According to reports from WALB-TV, the two boys involved were cousins and were staying at their grandmother’s house at the time of the incident. The fatal shooting occurred late in the evening, and the details surrounding how the teenager accessed the firearm remain unclear. Upon arriving at the scene, a deputy from the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office found the young victim on the living room floor, beyond any chance of saving him.

The initial incident report from the sheriff’s office revealed that the firearm used in the shooting was not found in close proximity to the deceased boy. This tragic event has prompted authorities to urge families to ensure the safekeeping of firearms, especially when children are present in the household. Deputy Decatur County Coroner DeWitt Phillip emphasised the importance of gun safety in homes, highlighting the dangers that can arise when firearms are left accessible to children.

Phillip expressed the urgent need for responsible firearm storage, stating, “Don’t leave them out where kids can play with them, because they just don’t understand.” He also shared the emotional toll that such incidents take on first responders and families alike, underscoring the lasting impact of gun-related tragedies.

Following the investigation, the teenager was formally charged with felony murder and aggravated assault, while Perkins faced charges related to child cruelty and unlawful possession of a firearm. Authorities from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Decatur County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), and Decatur County Coroner are continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking loss.

As the community grapples with this devastating loss, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of gun safety and responsible firearm ownership. The tragic outcome of this incident underscores the need for heightened awareness and vigilance when it comes to keeping firearms out of the reach of children. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected by this profound tragedy.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more news and updates on this developing story.