Police say the search is on for the gunman who shot and killed two “inseparable” young friends in Atlanta.
South Fulton leaders said during a press conference Thursday, March 19, that police are working hard to solve a double homicide that left a 16-year-old child dead. Jamauri “J'Mauri” Smarr and 14 years old Jeremiah Carter dead. Authorities said investigators are following “very promising” leads, although they are still in the early stages of the case.
Police responded to a call that came in on Tuesday, March 17, around 8:30 p.m. about a gunshot. Upon their arrival, police found two young victims with gunshot wounds.
Both Smarr and Carter were taken to a nearby hospital, where they died from their injuries.
“Our law enforcement personnel have been working around the clock to resolve this matter,” officials said during a press conference, per FOX 5 Atlanta.
The youth did not live in the area where the shooting occurred, and officials said the shooting may have been the result of a previous dispute. However, the motive has not been confirmed.
Officials also addressed rumors circulating online about the incident, saying they “urge the public not to speculate” as detectives work to build a case.
Detectives are currently reviewing evidence and working closely with partners, including Fulton County Schools.
Officials also spoke to residents who may have safety concerns following the incident. “We are working on several leads that seem very promising,” they said.
Additionally, investigators shared a direct message with the gunman who committed the murder. “We'll find out … it's just a matter of time,” they said.
During the investigation, detectives focused on a white sedan that was found near the scene and was towed away. Officials said during a press conference that there may have been a third person in the car. However, that person is not considered a suspect as of this time.
It is not yet clear whether the shooting took place inside or outside the vehicle.
After the tragic death of the boys, their loved ones spoke about the tragedy.
“J'Mauri was ridiculous. He always made us laugh even when it was supposed to be bad,” the mother of the old victim, Jamicia Smarrsaid, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. “No way, in a million years I would have expected to lose my child.”
He added that J'Mauri and Jeremiah were best friends and called each other cousins.
Darius MalcolmJ'Mauri's cousin, added that the teenager was always being driven.
“He was mischievous and fun and funny. He had an entrepreneurial spirit. He wanted to work for his money,” Malcolm said. I look at both of them as nephews and they are both gone, no brainer. They were good children from good parents, and they were very young. They had everything they needed to succeed in life, everything. These were not two troubled children.
