Teen Arrested After 12-Year-Old Fatally Shot Inside Atlanta Home

An Atlanta teen was arrested on Sunday in connection with the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy. According to authorities, the teenager was taken into custody and subsequently transported to the Metro Youth Detention Center.

Speaking to Fox 5 Atlanta, APD Capt. Germain Dearlove urged adults to keep weapons out of reach of children and teenagers at home. “Public safety is our paramount concern for juveniles,” he said.

The incident took place inside the 12-year-old’s house in southeast Atlanta. Following a report of a shooting inside the residence, officers were dispatched around 1:49 p.m. ET on Saturday.

When police arrived at the scene, they found the young boy already in critical condition from a gunshot wound. He was immediately taken to the hospital. However, authorities said that despite all efforts to save his life, the boy died.

The identities of the juveniles have not been released publicly. According to authorities, the two boys were handling guns in a bedroom when the incident occurred.

It has shaken the neighborhood, which is otherwise known to be peaceful. Michael Dennis, a longtime resident, told Fox 5, “This neighborhood is pretty peaceful most of the time. Every now and then, we may hear something. I encourage family: Stick together, love one another, hug one another. This is a space in life where everybody needs to just come together.”

Another neighbor told Channel 2 that he called the police when he saw young boys involved in shootings He said, “Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, around the same time, kids would come by my house, duck behind the church and just shoot. I was concerned for my safety.”

As the investigation remains ongoing, APD Capt. Germain Dearlove said detectives were questioning the juvenile and the adults who were at home when the incident occurred. “We need the partnership and cooperation of homeowners. We’re going to get the full story, and then we will make our full report on it,” he said.