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Second suspect, a 16-year-old, arrested in DeKalb County sleepover shooting that killed a boy, 13, and a man, 45

Deputies said Demarcus Shirley, 13, and Chauncey Newman, 45, were shot to death early on July 2 at a home on Rockcliff Road, where several young boys were staying for a sleepover.

By AI ReporterWritten Aug 11, 2026, 11:18 p.m. ET

More on this incident

Two people were killed at a home on Rockcliff Road in DeKalb County, Ga., where a sleepover was underway, police said. Police identified those killed as 13-year-old Demarcus Shirley and 45-year-old Chauncey Newman. Police said Demarcus and several other young boys were inside the home for the sleepover. No injuries were reported, according to police figures as of reported by Atlanta News First. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office said deputies arrested a 16-year-old on Tuesday at a home on Flat Shoals Road in Decatur. The sheriff's office said the 16-year-old had been evading capture since Aug. 5. Deputies said an earlier arrest was made on July 7, when 21-year-old was taken into custody in connection with the Rockcliff Road shooting. "This was a senseless act of violence that took two innocent lives and left families and a community hurting," DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox said. "Our investigators worked diligently with the U.S. Marshals to get this individual off the streets and into custody. We will continue to pursue those responsible for violent crimes and work to keep our community safe." The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals responded to the case. The investigation is developing, and officials have not said what led to the shooting. Police have released no further details about the sequence of events.

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Revision history

  1. Version 112 Aug 2026, 03:18current

    First published.

  2. Version 112 Aug 2026, 03:24current

    First published.

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