Family says the 17-year-old had a bright future before his death on Valentine’s Day.
SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — A 17-year-old high school student who had been accepted into a military academy was found shot to death in a wooded area on Valentine’s Day, leaving his family searching for answers and police with an unsolved case.
Jeremiah Gibson, a junior at Tucker High School, had traveled to South Fulton to visit his father when he disappeared. Weeks later, investigators say he was found dead with a gunshot wound to the chest. Authorities have not made any arrests, and the case remains under active investigation.
Gibson’s mother, Tiffany Stone, said the family initially had no idea where he had gone after leaving his father’s home. She said they eventually used a location-sharing app to track his last known whereabouts. “I was just instantly shook and devastated,” Stone said as she recalled learning her son had been found dead.
Police first considered whether the death might have been self-inflicted, but the medical examiner later determined the teen had been shot, shifting the case to a homicide investigation. Officials have released few details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, and it remains unclear who may have been with Gibson before his death.
Gibson had recently been accepted into a military academy, a milestone his family described as a sign of his ambition and discipline. His mother said he was known for his close bond with his siblings and enjoyed making videos with them. “He loved his family,” she said.
The killing comes amid growing concern about youth violence in the region, with several recent cases involving teenagers. While police have not said whether Gibson’s death is connected to any broader pattern, the lack of arrests has left his family and community unsettled.
Stone said she believes someone knows what happened and is urging anyone with information to come forward. “That was my child, and I would want somebody to say something,” she said, emphasizing that accountability would bring some measure of closure.
Investigators have not announced any suspects or released a timeline of Gibson’s final hours. Officials also have not said whether surveillance footage, phone data, or witness statements have provided any leads.
For now, the case remains open, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews. Police have not indicated when they expect to provide an update.
Author note: Last updated April 10, 2026.