15-year-old arrested and charged in connection with shooting, killing man while playing with gun

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, around 5 p.m., a citizen called E911 to report that someone had been shot at a home in the 500 block of Brookdale Circle. When officers arrived at the home, 20-year-old Amarius Dakwon Shivers was found inside the home with an apparent gunshot wound to his head.

Officers immediately attempted to provide first aid to Shivers until members of the Valdosta Fire Department, along with South Georgia Medical Center Emergency Medical Services, arrived to provide medical aid. Shivers was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives and Valdosta Police Department crime scene personnel responded to investigate the incident. As detectives attempted to interview numerous people who were observed leaving the home when officers arrived, a concerned mother called 911. 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 went to her home and took custody of the 15-year-old. Through investigation, detectives determined that numerous teenagers were in the home when the 15-year-old was allegedly playing with a gun. The gun went off and hit the victim, resulting in death.

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

Detectives continue to investigate the incident and further charges are pending.

“Our prayers go out to everyone involved in the incident. As a mother mourned the loss of her son, the 15-year-old’s mother contacted E911 to cooperate with police. This is a tragic incident that affects two families, which would not have happened if the young people were not playing with a gun.” Said Chef Leslie Manahan.

If anyone has more information about this case or any others, please contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at (229) 293-3145, the Crime Tip Line at (229) 293-3091.

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