Newton County authorities are searching for a 16-year-old boy accused of fatally shooting his stepfather Tuesday.

The shooting was reported at about 6:15 p.m. near Avery Drive in Covington. When Newton sheriff’s deputies arrived, they said they found 41-year-old David Gay dead inside his home.

Investigators determined the victim was shot by his stepson, Jayden Daniel, who they said drove away in Gay’s 2016 Cadillac Escalade. Officials did not provide more details about the shooting.

The Escalade was located about 7 miles away at Denny Dobbs Park, which has a ballfield, batting cage, basketball courts and other amenities. Daniel was not in the area, the sheriff’s office said.

Police are searching for Jayden Daniel, 16, who is accused of fatally shooting his stepfather Tuesday. (Courtesy of Newton County Sheriff's Office)

Credit: Newton County Sheriff's Office

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Credit: Newton County Sheriff's Office

Daniel faces charges of murder, aggravated assault, theft by taking, being in possession of a handgun by persons under 18 and being in possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime, according to a sheriff’s office spokesperson.

The agency said the teen “is considered armed and dangerous.”

“Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact 911 immediately. Do not approach the suspect,” officials said.

A spokesperson said law enforcement officials “cannot speculate on a motive.”

— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.

 

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