11-year-old shot while sleeping dies

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The 11-year-old boy who died after being shot in the head was an inventive child who liked math, science and creating things out of duct tape, according to his family.

Nicholas Sheffey, of Chamblee, died Tuesday morning, according to police. Hours later, a third person was arrested in connection with the sixth-grader's death.

Seven shots were fired into a home at 12:30 a.m. Thursday, and one struck the child, police said. Nicholas, a Chamblee Middle School student, had been hospitalized since the shooting. Police believe Nicholas' older brother was the intended target and retaliation was the likely motive.

During the investigation into the shooting, Nicholas' 16-year-old brother was arrested by DeKalb County police and charged with armed robbery, according to Chamblee police Capt. Marc Johnson. The teenager is accused of committing a home invasion at the Gentry Walk Apartments in north DeKalb County on Dec. 22, Johnson said. The teen is not being named because of his age.

One of the robbery victims, 19-year-old Alexander C. Sidloskas, apparently decided to retaliate and enlisted the help of 18-year-old Cody Dane Bauer, Johnson said. Bauer apparently had 19-year-old Stedmund Anthony drive him to and from the shooting location, police said.

Bauer and Anthony were arrested earlier, and both remain in the DeKalb County Jail under $100,000 bonds, Johnson said. Both are expected to have their charges upgraded to murder following Nicholas' death.

Around 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sidloskas was also arrested in connection with the child's death. Sidloskas remained at the Chamblee jail Tuesday afternoon, Johnson said. A first court appearance has not yet been set.

Bauer, Anthony and Sidloskas also faces aggravated assault charges for allegedly intending to injure Nicholas' brother, police said.

Nicholas' brother is not expected to face charges related to the 11-year-old's death, police said.

David Sheffey said his son had a talent for making things out of duct tape, such as wallets, purses and carry cases. "Nick" even posted several videos on YouTube explaining how he made his creations.

"Nick touched a lot of people in his 11 years here and he will continue to influence our lives for as long as we live," David Sheffey said.

A funeral will be held Saturday for the boy, his father said.