A single bullet fired by a teenager during a gang-related fight killed a 23-year-old man, according to police. But 14 people, including seven 16-year-olds, were charged with felony murder after the fight at a Cobb County apartment complex.
On Thursday, the investigation continued into the deadly shooting late Sunday. Investigators believe an ongoing dispute between two groups of teenagers and young adults ended in gunfire. After the shooting, most of the suspects fled the area, leaving Devere Blake to die from a shot in the neck with a 9 mm handgun, police said.
Cobb County police released few details about the shooting investigation. But arrest warrants obtained by AJC.com portrayed the chaotic scene that unfolded about 10:20 p.m. Sunday in the 3700 block of Towne Crossing. The apartments are located off George Busbee Parkway, not far from Kennesaw State University.
Among those charged was Kanye Leonard Sorrells, 16, who fired the fatal shot, his arrest warrant states. But several others helped coordinate the fight, bringing guns and a getaway car, according to police. Under Georgia law, those who are parties to the crime can also be charged with murder.
Another 16-year-old, Jovan Sherden of Acworth, handed Sorrells the suspected murder weapon, his warrant states.
Sherden “turned over a handgun to Kanye Sorrells to shoot the victim which resulted in a firearm being discharged at the victim,” his warrant states.
A 17-year-old, Treazure Lanae Walker of Acworth, encouraged Sorrells to shoot Blake and then tried to hide the gun as both groups scattered, according to her warrant.
Sorrells, Sherden and Walker were each charged with murder and aggravated assault, jail records and arrest warrants showed. Investigators believe 18-year-old Juquavious Antwan Ryan of Acworth was the getaway driver when Sorrells attempted to leave after the shooting, his warrant states. Ryan was also charged with murder and aggravated assault.
Officers arrived to find Blake with a gunshot wound to the neck, Cobb police spokeswoman Officer Shenise McDonald said. Additional officers were called, and they noticed several vehicles attempting to take off. Several of the cars were stopped and those inside were detained for questioning, she said.
“Through interviews, it was revealed the shooting was the result of two groups who were previously engaged in a physical altercation at a nearby gas station,” McDonald said.
During that previous fight, someone in one of the groups pulled out a gun and threatened the members of the rival group, McDonald said. The two sides eventually separated but agreed to meet later at the apartment complex to continue the fight, according to police.
Blake was also armed with a shotgun when he arrived at the complex with several others, McDonald said. A short time later, the second group showed up carrying handguns.
“Video footage from the gas station and witnesses at the apartment complex revealed that all involved parties in the incidents were willing participants of the criminal activity,” Cobb police said in a news release.
Others charged in the shooting include: Jakobe Jaheim Joseph, 17; Sean Andrial Gross, 18; Maceo Lydell Madison Jr. 17; Danielle Sewell, 20; Rodriguez Matthews, 16; Terrance Bernard Gilbert, 16; Darryl Lamar Daniel, 16; Jonathan McGregory Bateman, 16; Amere Jahmar Blake, 17; and Elijah Harrison, 16. They were each charged with murder and aggravated assault with the exception of Daniel, who faces a single murder charge, records show.
All 14 suspects were being held without bond late Thursday at the Cobb jail.
Cobb police did not respond Thursday to a question about whether Devere Blake was related to Amere Jahmar Blake. The homicide investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call Cobb detectives at 770-499-3945.
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