14-Year-Old Charged With Felony Murder After Monroe Woman Dies From Gunshot Wound

MONROE, Georgia – A 14-year-old boy is facing felony murder and multiple other charges after a woman wounded in a shooting earlier this month died from her injuries, according to the Monroe Police Department.

Police said officers responded around 2:32 p.m. on May 16 to a residence on Magnolia Terrace in Monroe regarding a dispute involving juveniles. During the incident, 40-year-old Lakisey Branch suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

Branch was transported by air ambulance to a hospital in the Athens area for treatment. Authorities said she died from her injuries on May 20.

Investigators quickly identified and arrested a 14-year-old male suspect on the day of the shooting. Police said the juvenile is being charged as an adult.

The charges include felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, tampering with evidence, possession of a firearm by a person under 18, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and two counts of cruelty to children in the first degree.

The suspect is being held at the Rockdale Youth Detention Center.

Police said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Josh Lewis at JLewis@MonroeGA.gov or Sgt. Josh Reynolds at JReynolds@MonroeGA.gov.