Valdosta, GA — A tragic incident unfolded in Valdosta on the afternoon of Nov. 4, when a 15-year-old allegedly accidentally shot and killed a 20-year-old man, according to local police. The teenager has been arrested and is facing multiple felony charges.
The episode began around 5:00 p.m., when authorities were alerted by a 911 call about a shooting within a home on Brookdale Circle. Upon arrival, Valdosta Police discovered 20-year-old Amarius Dakwon Shivers with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Officers tried to administer first aid until paramedics arrived, but Shivers was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a rapid response to the fatal shooting, detectives and crime scene analysts were dispatched to the home to gather evidence and interview witnesses. It was during this investigation that a significant lead emerged from an unexpected source — a phone call from the suspect’s mother to law enforcement, expressing concerns that her son may have been the shooter.
Police quickly moved to apprehend the adolescent at his mother’s residence. The evolving investigation suggests that the shooting occurred in a scenario where multiple teenagers were present, and the young suspect was reportedly handling the gun recklessly when it discharged, striking Shivers.
The juvenile is now charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a minor. Investigators are still examining the details of the case, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan voiced deep sorrow over the event, highlighting the distress being endured by both the victim’s and the shooter’s families. “Our prayers go out to everyone involved in the incident. This is a tragic incident affecting two families, which would not have occurred if juveniles were not playing with a gun,” Manahan remarked.
In the wake of the shooting, the Valdosta community is grappling with the grim realities of firearm safety and the responsibilities of gun ownership. The incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangerous outcomes that can ensue when weapons fall into the hands of minors.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about this case or other related incidents to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
This tragic event underscores the critical need for discussions on gun safety and proper supervision of youth in environments where firearms are accessible. The community, while shaken, is called once again to reflect on steps it can take to prevent such occurrences in the future.