DALTON, GA – A 16-year-old is facing four felony murder charges following a deadly shooting at Pleasant Grove Park in Dalton, Georgia, approximately 90 miles north of Atlanta near the Tennessee state line. The incident, which occurred last night, has left the community in shock and authorities scrambling to piece together the events that led to the tragic outcome.
According to the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting appears to have originated from a robbery. The victims include a 21-year-old and a 19-year-old, both from Dalton, and an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old from Rome. Investigators are still working to determine the exact circumstances, with some of the victims potentially also being suspects in the case.
The 16-year-old suspect, who is from Rome, has been charged with four counts of felony murder. Despite the severity of the charges, the sheriff’s office has stated that there is no evidence to suggest the incident is gang-related.
Witnesses described the terrifying moments when gunshots rang out. One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the chaos and fear that ensued. “It was extremely frightening. I was frantic, pacing back and forth in my house. It looked like they were chasing someone. It was scary not knowing what was going on,” she said.
The community is now calling for increased security measures at Pleasant Grove Park. The anonymous witness expressed hope that officials will take action to lock down the park at night and install more lighting to prevent future incidents.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The sheriff’s office is committed to uncovering the full story behind this tragic event and ensuring justice is served.