Tragic Shooting During Sleepover in Georgia

A 13-year-old boy, Demarcus Shirley, was shot during what was supposed to be a fun sleepover with friends, and a man was killed in what authorities believe could be a gang-related attack.

In the early hours of July 2, around 4 a.m., multiple gunshots were fired into a home in Gresham Park, Georgia. Demarcus was shot from a passing car caught in the crossfire, which also resulted in the death of 45-year-old Chauncey Newman and his dog.

Demarcus’s great-uncle, Greg Carson, shared his grief, stating, “He lived so much life right in front of our eyes. He was a beloved member of our family.”

While investigators have not confirmed a motive yet, an arrest warrant suggests that gang involvement is “likely.” However, friends insist Demarcus wasn’t part of any gang culture. One friend, Larry Belware, remarked, “He wasn’t out on the town at all. He was just a funny kid who liked to run around and play like a normal little kid.” It’s heartbreaking, really. He had so much ahead of him.

Larenzo Pinkins, who was at the sleepover, recounted finding Demarcus after the shots rang out, saying, “We came upstairs and found him and tried to get him, but he was dead.” The loss feels profound, like losing a little brother.

The alleged shooter, 21-year-old Keeshun Webb, has been charged with two counts of murder—one for Demarcus and one for Newman—as well as multiple counts of aggravated assault and animal cruelty. Reports indicate that Webb fired shots from his vehicle during the incident.

Interestingly, there’s a suggestion that Webb may have also been involved in another drive-by shooting on the same day, according to the warrant details.

Authorities believe that four individuals and two vehicles participated in the shooting, but as of now, no other suspects have been identified. DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox remarked, “The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring suspects of violent crimes are located and taken into custody.”