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 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.
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Murder victim Darious Wallace (Source: WALB, from Wallace's family)
Bishop Frederick Williams, Providence Church Pastor Jason Spears (Source: WALB)
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