Crime
13-year-old arrested for allegedly shooting 11-year-old outside skating rink
Johnson remains in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. He is “literally fighting for his life every day"
April 21, 2022 2:20pm
Updated: April 22, 2022 9:24am
Police arrested a 13-year-old suspected of having shot an 11-year-old boy outside of a skating rink in Dekalb, Georgia on April 9. The suspect was taken into custody at around 8:00 a.m. on Thursday.
Eleven-year-old D’Mari Johnson was shot in the back of his head outside of the Golden Glide skating rink at around 11:00 p.m., according to WSB-TV Atlanta.
Johnson remains in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. He is “literally fighting for his life every day,” his family’s lawyers said after Johnson was placed into a medically induced coma.
Earlier this week, Johnson’s lawyers offered $10,000 for information that could lead to an arrest.
“The community really showed up with tips and information that helped us close this case,” said DeKalb Police Chief Mirtha Ramos. “While we have the suspect in custody, I am saddened that the lives of both of these children and their families will never be the same.”
Ramos said it took several days to identify the suspect and more time to secure an arrest warrant.
The identity of the 13-year-old has not yet been revealed, and it is unclear what charges he will face. The suspect is still being questioned at the DeKalb County Police Headquarters, added Ramos.
“The family of D’Mari Johnson is thankful that the individual who allegedly shot D’Mari has been identified and arrested. The family extends its gratitude to the DeKalb County Police Dept. and the other agencies who assisted them in their investigation of this horrific crime. We are saddened that a 13-year-old could allegedly perpetrate such a heinous act,” Johnson’s family said in a statement released through their lawyers.
“We look forward to the results of the investigation into Golden Glide by various agencies within DeKalb County. We must remain vigilant in protecting the children in our community,” the statement continued.
Johnson’s family said that they blame the shooter and the skating rink for allowing their son to be placed in danger.
