Gwinnett County police have charged a Lawrenceville man in the shooting of a 20-year-old who was killed at a house party this week, authorities said.
Jose Rivera, 23, was arrested Friday on murder and aggravated assault charges, jail records show.
Rivera is accused of killing Christopher Morand at a home on Taylor Road in unincorporated Suwanee. Police were called to the scene early Tuesday after receiving calls from several party attendees who reported a shooting that occurred the night before, authorities said.
RELATED: Man found dead hours after fight breaks out at Gwinnett house party
Credit: WSB-TV WSB-TV
Credit: WSB-TV WSB-TV
“Those witnesses provided detectives with information that the victim was shot after getting into an altercation with other people who were attending the party,” Gwinnett police said.
Police said at least 10 people attended the party but would not reveal how many, if any, were still there when they arrived hours later.
“It’s not fair because now I’ve got to go see his mom and hug her and say we've got to bury her son and my best friend,” Mikey Ball told Channel 2 Action News at the scene.
The man’s mother, Wislyne Morand, told the news station she spent all night worrying after hearing rumors on social media that the Collins Hill High School grad had been shot.
Police delivered the news of her son’s death when she arrived at the scene.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
“I hope they catch whoever did it,” she said. “I hope they catch him and make him pay for what he did to my son.”
Rivera remains held at the Gwinnett County jail without bond, records show.
Anyone with information about the fatal shooting is asked to contact police at 404-513-5300.
Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
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