Stone Mountain Teenager Identified as Victim of Fatal Shooting in DeKalb County Woods

Authorities have identified the victim of a tragic shooting in the woods of DeKalb County as 17-year-old James Smith, a resident of Stone Mountain. The DeKalb County Police Department reported that Smith was found deceased with gunshot wounds near North Hairston Road.

Investigating the case, the detectives informed Channel 2’s Michael Seiden that the lifeless body of the teenager was discovered in a wooded area close to North Hairston Road, near Central Drive.

A local resident, Monica McNeal, recalled the distressing incident while walking her dog. She witnessed the sudden arrival of numerous police officers swarming the area, creating a sense of fear and unease. McNeal expressed her concerns, stating, “It’s very scary; it makes you not wanna go out. They killing each other, and that’s a shame. That’s sad. If people just put the guns down, it would make this world a better world to live in.”

McNeal, who was one of the first neighbors to notice something was gravely wrong, remained at the scene to offer support to Smith’s family upon their arrival. However, when approached by Seiden on Thursday, the victim’s father appeared visibly shaken and declined to speak with the media.

Justice Sought for Smith’s Death by Loved Ones

Smith’s loved ones expressed their determination to seek justice for his untimely demise when interviewed by Channel 2 Action News. As family, friends, and neighbors gathered at the wooded area where Smith’s life was tragically taken, the atmosphere was filled with heartbreak and sorrow.

According to the authorities, Smith was involved in a dispute with one or more unidentified individuals on February 13. While it is believed that his death is connected to this dispute, specific details surrounding the incident have not yet been disclosed.

As of Thursday afternoon, no arrests had been made in connection with the case. Detectives are urging anyone with information regarding the circumstances of Smith’s death to come forward and contact them at 770-724-7850.

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