Bainbridge Woman and Teen Arrested After 8-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested 49-year-old Knisha Perkins and a 13-year-old relative in connection with the shooting death of an 8-year-old boy in Bainbridge.

Perkins is charged with three counts of second-degree cruelty to children and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The 13-year-old has been charged with felony murder and aggravated assault.

According to the GBI, the incident occurred late Friday night, July 11, 2025. At approximately 11:40 p.m., the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the GBI in a death investigation involving the child.

Investigators determined the 8-year-old was shot by the 13-year-old relative using a firearm that was present inside the home on the 3000 block of Vada Road. No adults were in the home at the time of the shooting, but a 1-year-old child was also present and was not harmed.

Deputies responded after receiving a 911 call and found the child deceased from gunshot wounds. His body was transported to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy.

Perkins and the juvenile were both arrested on July 15, 2025. Perkins was booked into the Decatur County Jail, while the 13-year-old was taken to the Decatur County Youth Detention Center.

The investigation remains ongoing.