By Erika Hernandez
A three-year-old boy, identified as Armani Deshawn Lyons, died after being shot in Atlanta. A 71-year-old woman, who was caring for him, was arrested along with another suspect who remains at large. Both face charges of felony murder.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of April 5, when officers responded to a call of a shooting in the southwest part of the city, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
Arrests and charges
Authorities identified Barbara Edwards, 71, and Jermaine Hardeman, 35, as suspects. Both face charges of felony murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and second-degree cruelty to children.
Edwards, who was the minor’s babysitter, was arrested and booked into the Fulton County Jail. Hardeman remains at large.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found the boy with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a scientific institution, where he died shortly after.
Until now, Authorities have not clarified what triggered the shooting.
The minor’s family expressed their devastation through a public message, in which they described Armani as a child “full of life, joy and innocence.”
His grandmother said that the little boy used to run to greet her with enthusiasm every time he saw her, remembering him as a happy and affectionate child.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crime while intensifying the search for the second suspect.
The case once again highlights the impact of gun violence in communities in the United States, especially when it involves minors.
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