DeKalb man accused of shooting acquaintance in the head near school

A Decatur-area man accused of shooting a teen in the head Tuesday has been arrested, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday.

Police allege Jamal Kerns, 21, shot Malik Lamar Golar, 19, in the head on Lansbury Village Drive, near Henderson Middle School.

The two had been in a car together and after Kerns got out, a shot came through the back window. Golar survived the shot.

Kerns’ twin, Jamel Kerns, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he can’t imagine his brother committing the crime. He described the victim as a “good family friend.”

"That's just not in his character to do something like that," Jamel Kerns said, adding that the arrest has compounded his family's recent grief.

Last month, the twins’ cousin, 18-year-old Southwest DeKalb student Keschon Kerns, was found shot to death. He lay in the driveway of the Harvest Hill Court home, where he also lived.

Police haven’t announced any charges or suspects in that case.

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