Conyers, Georgia – A community is grappling with grief and fear following a tragic series of events that began with a fatal shooting at a weekend house party. Dearrious Davenport, 30, was killed while attempting to protect a younger cousin during an altercation. His widow, Aaliyah McGriff, revealed that the incident escalated quickly and that her husband’s final moments were spent trying to help others.
McGriff, who was at home when she received the devastating news, described Davenport as a peaceful man who shunned violence. “He didn’t like to argue or fight,” she shared in a recent phone interview. According to her, Davenport made a call for help just before he was shot, but it was too late.
The accused shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Tamorris Tyler, also from Conyers. He is currently in custody facing multiple charges, including murder. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are piecing together what led to the deadly confrontation.
Less than a day after Davenport’s death, police were called to another incident on Forest Villa Drive, where a candlelight vigil for the slain father was taking place. Gunfire erupted at the gathering, though fortunately, no one was injured. Investigators reported that bullets struck two vehicles and narrowly missed hitting a 3-year-old child and a 15-year-old sibling. “That child was saved by the headrest of a car seat,” said Capt. Quantavis Garcia, underscoring the close call.
Authorities suspect that the two shootings are connected and are continuing to investigate potential links between the events. “We believe that family members involved in the earlier shooting might have been part of a verbal dispute at the vigil, which then escalated to gunfire,” Garcia added.
As the investigation unfolds, Conyers police have issued a $5,000 reward for information leading to additional arrests. Community members are encouraged to report anything they may know anonymously. Tips can be submitted via the Crimes Stoppers Atlanta tip line or online.
In the wake of these events, McGriff is left mourning her husband, a U.S. Army veteran who dedicated himself to his family’s wellbeing. “He was a strong and happy person,” she recalled. “He always lived in the moment.”
To help support McGriff and her children during this difficult time, a GoFundMe campaign has been established. Community members are coming together, with many expressing heartbreak over the senseless violence that has shaken their neighborhood.
As this community grapples with grief, the hope remains that justice will be served and that future tragedies can be prevented.