2 Teens Dead In South Fulton Shooting; $10K Reward Offered

SOUTH FULTON, GA — Police say a reward for information related to the shooting deaths of two Banneker High School students has been raised to $10,000.

A shooting around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 4200 block of Fortune Point killed Jeremiah Carter, 14, and J’Mauri Smarr, 16, South Fulton Police said Thursday.

Both teenagers were found suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle and later died of their injuries at a hospital, police said.

The shooting resulted from a prior dispute, police said. They added Carter and Smarr did not live in the neighborhood where the shooting took place.

"We are aware of the rumors circulating regarding the motive and circumstances of this incident. At this time, we are not in a position to confirm those claims, and we ask all of you in our community to refrain from speculation. Our investigation is based on facts, and we will continue to provide updates as verified information becomes available," police said in a statement.

Officers are investigating leads and a motive, Dr. Cedric Alexander, South Fulton interim managing public safety director, said at a news conference held Thursday.

A description of a suspect has not been released.

"We're going to get to the bottom of this," Alexander said. "It's just a matter of time."

He noted a third person was in the vehicle with the two teenagers, but the person was not considered a suspect.

The director sent a message to the accused gunman.

"Listen to me loud and clear, we're going to find you," he said.

The deadly shooting brings South Fulton's homicide total to three this year, City Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs said.

Police encouraged parents to check on their children, know where they are, who they are with and the activities in which they are involved.

Additionally, police asked youths to be surrounded with "positive influences and make decisions that protect your future."

"This is a tragedy, and two families are now grieving an unimaginable loss. We ask that you pray for them during this time of loss," police said.

A reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment has increased to $10,000, police said. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta, (404) 577-8477.

"We appreciate all of your support you have shown our city and our department, and now we are asking you to help support us in finding the individuals responsible for taking the lives of two of our young people," police said.