Gwinnett police searching for shooter of 8-year-old boy

By Marcus K. Garner

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Gwinnett police searched Saturday for two men linked to a home invasion that left an 8-year-old boy dead.

Andrae Brooks was shot in the head during a Gwinnett County home invasion and later died Friday night, authorities said.

Police are searching for two men linked to what has now become a murder investigation. A police spokesman told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday that no new information has developed but that investigators are pursing all viable leads.

The shooting happened Friday afternoon at the Madison Ridge apartment complex in the 1100 block of Indian Trail Road, Gwinnett County police said. Andrae, of Doraville, didn't live in the apartment, but was there with his father, police said. The boy's father went to the apartment to get a haircut, police spokesman Officer Brian Kelly said.

Around 4:30 p.m. a man forced his way into an apartment, and ordered Brooks and three adult men in the apartment with him to lie on the floor, police said.

Several shots were fired and Brooks was struck in the head, police said.

Brooks was flown by helicopter to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite where he died from his injuries, authorities said.

Investigators believe a second man was involved and are trying to determine the motive.

Police K-9 units were brought out early Friday evening to search the area for suspects.

Tiffany Walker lives in the apartment complex -- the same one where a young boy was being held for ransom after being kidnapped in February -- since October, and is considering moving out.

"It's really scary ... not knowing what's going on in your own neighborhood," Walker told WSB Radio. "I'd rather be safe than sorry. You never know what's going to happen."

Brooks was transported to a nearby grocery store parking lot where he was airlifted to the hospital.

Police are asking anyone with information about this shooting to contact detectives at 770-513-5300 or to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. A reward of up to $2,000 is offered for any information leading to an arrest.

Police continue to investigate.

Return to ajc.com for updates.

AJC reporters Kristi E. Swartz and Alexis Stevens contributed to this story.