Father Pleads Guilty in 2023 Shooting Death of 7-Year-Old Son in DeKalb County

DECATUR, GA — DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced that Dante Lamar Daugherty, 44, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree cruelty to children in connection with the 2023 death of his 7-year-old son, Z’ayre Daugherty.

On September 4, 2023, DeKalb County police responded to a gas station on Rock Chapel Road in Lithonia after reports of a shooting. Officers found Daugherty in the back seat of his SUV holding Z’ayre, who had been shot in the head. EMS pronounced the child dead at the scene. A firearm and shell casing were recovered from the vehicle.

Investigators determined that Daugherty left his two sons—ages 7 and 5—inside the car after placing his loaded handgun under the driver’s seat. Surveillance video showed movement in the back seat before the flash of gunfire. Authorities believe one of the children accidentally discharged the weapon, though it was unclear which child fired the shot.

On September 18, 2025, Superior Court Judge Courtney L. Johnson accepted Daugherty’s guilty plea and sentenced him to 10 years in prison, with two to serve in custody and the remainder on probation. Prosecutors had recommended a five-year custodial sentence.

District Attorney Boston emphasized the tragedy:

“This case underscores the devastating consequences of failing to properly secure firearms around children. A young life was lost, and a family forever changed. Our office remains committed to seeking accountability in cases where negligence leads to preventable tragedies.”

The case was prosecuted by the Child Crimes Unit, led by Senior ADA Hannah Pendergast with support from ADA Rachel Plevack, DA Investigator Haley Hines, and Victim Advocate Jenaiya Coleman. Detective C. Williams of the DeKalb County Police Department conducted the initial investigation.