LaGrange, Ga. – A community is in mourning after 14-year-old Demarrion Carter was fatally shot in front of his home, sparking a manhunt for the unidentified assailant. The incident, which occurred while Carter was simply sitting outside his residence, has left his family and friends devastated and seeking justice.
At the time of the shooting, there were no known witnesses, and investigators from the LaGrange Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division are urgently working to establish a motive and identify the perpetrator.
Demarrion, remembered by his mentor Jerome Cofield as a young man of great integrity and responsibility, had been an active participant in the youth empowerment organization Empowerment 3D for five years. This group, led by Cofield, focuses on life skills and community service, engaging young people in activities ranging from service outings to educational field trips.
“He was more than just a participant; he was like a son to me,” Cofield said, expressing profound sorrow over the loss. Cofield recounts how Demarrion consistently demonstrated maturity beyond his years and was ambitious about his future, particularly his dream of becoming a professional basketball player.
The deep bond between Cofield and Carter was evident as Cofield spoke about their last meeting, wishing for just one more moment to embrace him. He stressed the significance of the mentorship provided by Empowerment 3D, which includes not only guiding the youth but also fostering stronger relationships between sons and their fathers.
In a resilient call to action, Cofield urged the community to come forward with any information that might assist in the investigation. “If you know something, say something. We have to do this for Demarrion,” he implored.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with details about the shooting to reach out to Detective C. Brown of the LaGrange Police Department. For those wishing to remain anonymous, information can be submitted through Troup County CrimeStoppers.
As the investigation continues, the community holds onto hope that sharing information will lead to justice for the young life tragically cut short. In the meantime, Demarrion’s mentor and loved ones remember him as a beacon of kindness and a young man who consistently helped others, hoping that his legacy will inspire more acts of generosity and community support.