By Nicholas Stix
The longtime reader who sent this story wrote,
Another of their Best & Brightest is gone. And his killer might have found the cure for Alzheimer’s. So much lost “potential.”
Georgia 5th grader charged with murder
February 15, 2012 7:53 a.m. EST
Updated: February 15, 2012 8:08 a.m. EST
WALB
ALBANY, GA (WALB) Albany community leaders say they know young children are involved with violent crime, but they're shocked and saddened by the arrest of an 11-year-old murder suspect.
That fifth grader was charged yesterday with felony murder for Saturday's shooting death of a 13-year-old. A 15-year-old 8th grader is also charged in connection with the death. Investigators are stepping up their search for the gun used in the murder.
Law enforcement remain concerned that a small caliber pistol, that has already killed one young person, is still on the streets, and they want to get it before it's used in another crime.
Darious Wallace, a 13-year-old 7th grader who was shot and killed Saturday in a home on Crawford Drive. An 11-year-old charged with his murder-- the youngest murder arrest ever in Dougherty County.
"It is shocking, but at this point it is where the evidence points," said Dougherty District Attorney Greg Edwards.
As the 11-year-old and 15-year-old boys remain in the YDC, Investigators continue to question witnesses and search for the gun that killed Wallace. "Any gun that is not in our custody is a danger. So we want to make sure that we can do all we can do to recover any evidence and anything that is a danger to the community," Edwards said.
Investigators know a small caliber pistol was used, but because the charged kids are not talking, they are not sure what kind of gun it was. This morning at the Stop The Violence community group meeting, the murder of Wallace was a topic of discussion.
"I think the community has to continue to wake up, and understand that these things are happening," said Gethesemane Worship Center Bishop Frederick Williams.
In Stop the Violence, Law enforcement, clergy, and business leaders work together to solve issues they feel lead kids to crime. "Crime, race, poverty, and family. And being able to mentor these kids especially." said Providence Church Lead Pastor Jason Spears.
"Weapons don't fall out of the sky. So we've got to rally together to get some real understanding and education in this community that we are destroying ourselves," said Bishop Williams.
The D. A. says the investigation into Wallace's murder continues, and law enforcement asks people to give them information to find that murder weapon; before it's used to kill again.
Darious Wallace's mother said at this time she has no comment on her son's death.
The District Attorney said today that he could not confirm nor deny if there was gang involvement in the murder. That [sic] it is part of their ongoing investigation.
If you have any information about Darious Wallace death, or that gun, call CRIMESTOPPERS at 436-TIPS, and you could earn a reward.
The article from the local news source seems to indicate the firearm was more responsible than the two suspects.
ReplyDeleteDavid In TN
Yes! And aside from the relative novelty of an 11-year-old killer, who ever heard of an 11-year-old who already knows to lawyer up? And a mother of such a young murder victim who has nothing to say? Note, too, that every one of the kids involved has to have been left back a grade at least once. Considering how early in the year it is, they were likely left back twice.
ReplyDeleteThe undercurrent of this story screams, “Gang! Gang! Gang!”
You ever think the mother was too hurt and couldn't muster anything out. If you've never lost a child you shouldn't speak on a person who has. People handle grief differently. Sometimes it's best to not soak so quickly on a situation you know nothing about.
DeleteYep. I've read that gangs often use juveniles under 14 as drivers and sometimes (as in this instance) as killers. The reason is even if caught a juvenile will receive light punishment. For example, Carter Strange's attackers.
ReplyDeleteDavid In TN
As drivers?!
ReplyDeleteThe last time I was in Albany was in 1999 and it was a real shithole of a place then too, drunks, druggies, thugs and the homeless (all black and vicious) are in every direction you go in the business district. It's like one big ghetto with a couple of White enclaves, most of the Whites have moved further into the rural areas in flight.
ReplyDeleteAs for finding the gun, there are so many swampy areas right off of the roadside to throw it in, I imagine that's where it is but these are newbie killers, maybe they wanted to keep it for later and the police still have a chance.
The 1996 book, "The D.A.," which is about one year with a calendar deputy in the Los Angeles DA's office, has an instance of a juvenile being used as a driver for one of the gangs. The tactic is sometimes used because there will be light punishment for the juvie if caught.
ReplyDeleteDavid In TN
This is such a sad story! I know this child and there needs to be justice in this case! I'm not sure if holding an 11 year old responsible is the answer but the murder weapon is missing I believe parents were probably involved.......nothing will ever bring this baby back home to his mother she will never be able to hold him to kiss him to tell him she loves him so when commenting remember a child's life was taken by another child...u can't blame it on a gun.....people kill people
ReplyDelete