14-Year-Old Charged with Murder in Killing of 2 Teens in South Fulton

Police say the suspect will be tried as an adult in the double homicide.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:23pm

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A 14-year-old has been charged with two counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18 after a shooting in South Fulton, Georgia that left two teenage boys dead. The victims were identified as 16-year-old Jamauri Smarr and 14-year-old Jeremiah Carter, both students at Banneker High School.

Why it matters

The tragic deaths of the two teenagers have shaken the South Fulton community, raising concerns about youth violence and the decision to try the 14-year-old suspect as an adult. The case highlights ongoing debates around juvenile justice and the appropriate legal response to serious crimes committed by minors.

The details

Police responded to a shooting near the 4200 block of Fortune Point in a residential South Fulton neighborhood on Tuesday night. Both victims were initially taken to the hospital in critical condition, but later died from their injuries. The 14-year-old suspect will be charged as an adult, according to authorities.

  • The shooting occurred on Tuesday night, March 22, 2026.
  • The victims, Jamauri Smarr and Jeremiah Carter, were both students at Banneker High School.

The players

14-year-old suspect

The 14-year-old suspect has been charged with two counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18. Police say he will be tried as an adult.

Jamauri Smarr

A 16-year-old student at Banneker High School who was killed in the shooting.

Jeremiah Carter

A 14-year-old student at Banneker High School who was killed in the shooting.

Vincent Golden

The principal of Banneker High School, who sent a letter to families informing them of the deaths of the two students.

Carmalitha Gumbs

The mayor of South Fulton, who expressed deep sadness over the incident and said the city remains committed to public safety.

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What they’re saying

“There are times when it is necessary to communicate news that is painful for all of us. During those times, we must be prepared to support each other and our students.”

— Vincent Golden, Principal, Banneker High School

“My heart goes out to the families of these young victims and the entire community as we grapple with this devastating loss.”

— Carmalitha Gumbs, Mayor, City of South Fulton

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow the 14-year-old suspect to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has shaken the South Fulton community and raised difficult questions about youth violence, juvenile justice, and the appropriate legal response when minors are accused of serious crimes. As the investigation continues, the community will need to come together to support the families of the victims and find ways to prevent such tragedies in the future.