In a devastating incident that has shocked the DeKalb County community in Georgia, a routine summer sleepover turned into a nightmare when gunfire erupted outside a family home, claiming the lives of a promising 13-year-old boy and a 45-year-old man. The attack, which involved dozens of sH๏τs fired into the residence from a pᴀssing vehicle, has left family members grieving and authorities working to bring all those responsible to justice.

The victims have been identified as 13-year-old Demarcus Shirley and 45-year-old Chauncey Newman. According to DeKalb County Police, the shooting occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 3, 2026, at a home on Rockcliff Road where Demarcus and several other young boys were enjoying a sleepover. Multiple children and adults were inside the house at the time, but only Demarcus and Newman were fatally wounded in the barrage of bullets.

Demarcus was remembered by his great uncle, Gregory Carthon, as a bright and energetic young teen with a promising future ahead. “He seemed eager to learn. Kind of athletic. He had a lot of life in front of him,” Carthon shared in a heartfelt statement, highlighting the boy’s enthusiasm for learning and his vibrant personality. The loss has been particularly painful for the family, as Demarcus was simply enjoying time with friends during what should have been a safe and fun summer gathering.

Following a rapid investigation, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday, July 8, 2026, that their fugitive unit had successfully captured the primary suspect, 21-year-old Keyshun Webb. With ᴀssistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Clayton County Police Department, Webb was taken into custody earlier that day. He now faces a total of 11 felony charges, including two counts of murder, eight counts of aggravated ᴀssault with a weapon, and one count of cruelty to animals. Webb is currently being held without bond at the DeKalb County Jail.

Arrest warrants detail that dozens of sH๏τs were fired into the home from a vehicle that Webb was observed driving around the time of the incident. Video evidence reportedly links Webb to a separate drive-by shooting that occurred on the same day. Ballistics analysis showed matching shell casings at both scenes, and investigators believe gang involvement is likely. The warrants indicate the shootings involved two vehicles and up to four male suspects, with Webb being the only one publicly identified so far. Police have not released the names of the other potential suspects at this time.

This tragic event has drawn attention to ongoing issues of gun violence and youth safety in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Community members and law enforcement continue to emphasize the need for stronger measures to prevent such random and ᴅᴇᴀᴅly attacks, especially those impacting children during innocent activities like sleepovers. As of mid-July 2026, the investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

The family of Demarcus Shirley and the broader community are mourning the loss while seeking answers and justice. This case serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the far-reaching impact of gun-related violence on families across the United States.

Full Source: KBTX –  Direct link: https://www.kbtx.com/2026/07/09/13-year-old-boy-killed-during-sleepover-when-suspect-fires-dozens-sH๏τs-into-home/