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| D’Mari Johnson, 11, was allegedly shot by a 13-year-old boy |
ATLANTA, April 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Authorities in Georgia have arrested a 13-year-old boy suspected of shooting an 11-year-old at the back of the head. According to WSB-TV, the April 10 incident occurred outside the Golden Glide skating rink in Decatur. And the victim, identified as D’Mari Johnson, is in critical condition.
Last week, lawyers for Johnson’s family announced they were offering $10,000 for tips that would lead to the arrest of the suspect.
DeKalb Police Chief Mirtha Ramos announced the suspect linked to the shooting had been identified, and they believed he was a juvenile. The unidentified 13-year-old suspect was arrested last Thursday. Police are, however, yet to establish the motive behind the shooting.
In a news conference Monday, lawyers for Johnson’s family blamed both the shooter and the skating rink for the incident. They argued that the Golden Glide skating rink has a history of violence and the shooting could have been prevented if there was proper security.
“Their child was shot at a place that has a history of issues and violence,” Williams said. “Golden Glide has a history of violence at that place, a history of violence and shooting. We believe the shooting wouldn’t have occurred if the place had adequate security.”
Ramos said while police have the suspect in custody, “I am saddened that the lives of both of these children and their families will never be the same.”
“We are saddened that a 13-year-old could allegedly perpetrate such a heinous act. The family would like to thank the community for their support and asks for continued prayers for D’Mari’s recovery,” the victim’s family said in a statement.
Johnson’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help raise funds to cover his medical expenses. — NNN-AGENCIES
