15-year-old arrested and charged after killing man while playing with gun

by Junna Base November 5, 2024

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) – A 15-year-old has been arrested and charged after shooting and killing a man, according to the Valdosta Police Department (VPD).

On November 4, at approximately 5:00 p.m., a citizen called 911 to report that someone had been shot at a residence in the 500 block of Brookdale Circle. When officers arrived at the residence, 20-year-old Amarius Dakwon Shivers was found inside the home with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.

Officers immediately attempted to administer first aid to Shivers until members of the Valdosta Fire Department and South Georgia Medical Center EMS arrived to provide medical assistance. Shivers was pronounced dead at the scene.

Valdosta Police Department detectives and detectives responded to investigate the incident. While investigators attempted to interview numerous people who were seen leaving the home when officers arrived, a concerned mother called E911. She reported that her 15-year-old son was at her home and that he may have been the shooter in this incident.

According to the VPD, officers responded to her residence and took the 15-year-old into custody. Through investigation, investigators determined that numerous teenagers were in the apartment when the 15-year-old was allegedly playing with a weapon. The gun fired and struck the victim, resulting in his death.

The 15-year-old was taken into custody and is charged with aggravated murder (Felony), aggravated assault (Felony), possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (Felony), and possession of a firearm by a felon minor (misdemeanor).

Investigators continue to investigate the incident and additional charges are pending.

“Our prayers go out to everyone involved in the incident. As a mother grieved the loss of her son, the 15-year-old’s mother contacted E911 to work with law enforcement. “This is a tragic incident that affects two families and would not have happened if the youth had not been playing with a weapon,” said Chief Leslie Manahan.

If anyone has further information about this or other cases, please contact the Valdosta Police Department’s Bureau of Investigative Services at (229) 293-3145 and Criminal Investigations at (229) 293-3091.

Do you have a news tip or see an error that needs to be corrected? Let us know. Please include the title of the article in your message.

To stay up to date with the latest news, follow WALB on Facebook And X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news download the WALB News app Apple Store or Google Play.