Man sentenced in Athens 3-year-old's death

Desmontrez Mathis receives life in prison with possibility of parole for 2024 murder of Kyron Santino Zarco Smith

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Desmontrez Mathis, 24, of Athens, Georgia, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the 2024 murder of 3-year-old Kyron Santino Zarco Smith. Mathis, also known as 'Ten,' is one of three people convicted in the fatal shooting of Kyron, who was killed in a drive-by while watching TV on his couch.

Why it matters

The tragic death of a young child in a drive-by shooting has shaken the Athens community and raised concerns about gun violence and public safety, especially in residential areas. The sentencing of Mathis is seen as an important step in providing justice for Kyron's family and addressing the broader issue of gun crime.

The details

Mathis was sentenced on February 6 by a Western Judicial Circuit Superior Court judge to life in prison with the possibility of parole, plus an additional 30 years in prison followed by 10 years of strict probation. Mathis and two other individuals were convicted for their roles in the 2024 murder of 3-year-old Kyron, who was fatally shot while watching TV on his couch during a drive-by shooting incident in Athens.

  • Kyron Santino Zarco Smith was fatally shot in 2024.
  • Desmontrez Mathis was sentenced on February 6, 2026.

The players

Desmontrez Mathis

A 24-year-old resident of Athens, Georgia, also known by the alias 'Ten,' who was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the 2024 murder of 3-year-old Kyron Santino Zarco Smith.

Kyron Santino Zarco Smith

A 3-year-old boy who was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting while watching TV on his couch in Athens, Georgia in 2024.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge's sentencing of Mathis to life in prison with the possibility of parole is seen as an important step in providing justice for Kyron's family, but the broader issues of gun violence and public safety in Athens remain ongoing concerns that the community will continue to grapple with.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence on innocent lives, particularly young children, and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of crime and improve public safety in Athens and similar communities.