EAST POINT, GA – In a tragic incident in East Point, a 4-year-old child lost their life to a gunshot on Sunday. The police are now beginning an investigation on the circumstances of the shooting that occurred at the Martel Homes apartments on Norman Berry Drive.
Although specific details about how the child was shot are not yet available, the East Point Police remarked on the importance of securing firearms inside residences. It was confirmed that the child’s untimely death was linked to a weapon inside the home that was not properly secured.
After the incident, officers arrested Damarkis Perdue, who is now facing charges of second-degree murder, cruelty to children, and tampering with evidence, according to Fulton County Jail records.
The child was taken to Grady EMS by East Point Fire and Rescue to receive medical treatment. The 4-year-old victim ultimately succumbed to the injuries and passed away. The name of the young boy has not yet been publicly released.
A neighbor, Dawn Harris, recalled seeing emergency services rushing to the scene. Shaken by the news, she expressed her sorrow at the realization that a child had been involved in the deadly gunfire.
While an investigation is underway, Perdue was scheduled for his first appearance in court on Tuesday. However, he waived the hearing.