Second Arrest Made in Athens Child Shooting Case, Two Suspects Still at Large

On March 13th, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) announced the arrest of Jayden Brown, a 16-year-old from Athens, in connection to the fatal shooting of a three-year-old child on March 8th. Brown, apprehended with the help of the Clarke County Sheriff’s Department, faces multiple charges. This arrest marks the second in the case, following the arrest of 17-year-old Julian Cubillos from Lawrenceville on March 8th.

The shooting, which occurred at Hallmark Mobile Home Park on Spring Valley Rd around 5:37 PM, resulted in the death of one child and left an adult injured. Another child was also wounded and taken to the hospital.

Following their investigation, ACCPD has identified two additional suspects: 22-year-old Desmontrez Mathis and 18-year-old Dakious Echols, both from Athens. All four suspects face charges including two counts of Murder (Malice and Felony Murder), four counts of Aggravated Assault, and violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.

Chief of Police Jerry Saulters expressed condolences to the victim’s family and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, dedicating the department’s full resources to the case.

The investigation is ongoing, and ACCPD urges anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mathis and Echols to contact Detective Johnson at 762-400-7060 or via email at paul.johnson@accgov.com. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest of those involved, and anonymous tips can be submitted to the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 706-705-4775.