3 Charged With Murder In Marietta Teen's 2022 Shooting Death

MARIETTA, GA — After a little more than a year of searching for suspects, Marietta Police have charged three people with murder in the May 2022 shooting death of 17-year-old Grayson Green.

Police said Friday twin siblings Ne'riyah Vargas and Ne'cquo Vargas, both 17-years-old and of Cobb County, and Tahkel Beverly Smart, 21, of Paulding County, were all charged in connection with Green's death.

They were charged on suspicion of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. All charges are violations of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, police said.

Green, of Marietta, was shot and killed around 10 p.m., May 21, 2022, at the Walton Village apartment complex in the 1600 block of Roberta Drive while attending a large graduation gathering with other teenagers and young adults, police said.

The teen was found on the ground, near an entrance, with a gunshot wound to his chest, authorities said in the past. They attempted first aid, but Green died at WellStar Kennestone Hospital, authorities said. A $10,000 reward was offered for information in the case.

"Detectives have worked countless hours gathering evidence and tracking down suspects. Today, we are thankful to report that the individuals responsible for his death are being held accountable," police said in a Friday news release.

The Vargas twins were arrested Tuesday in Newport News, Virginia, and were extradited to Cobb, police said.

Smart was already in custody in Douglas County when he was charged in Green's death, police said. Douglas County Jail records show Smart was arrested Thursday.

Surveillance footage was released in September 2022, which showed a small crowd of people running from the scene shortly after the shooting. Police said at the time they believed the attendees might have witnessed the shooting.

"While the three suspects are now in custody, the investigation into their activities remains open. We appreciate the patience and trust of Grayson's family while we methodically gathered evidence to hold the suspects accountable," police said in the release.