Teens ‘Playing’ with Gun Lead to Death of Amarius Shivers

By Carol A. Gasser Moore

VALDOSTA, Lowndes County, Georgia – Amarius Dakwon Shivers (20) of Valdosta was found shot by Valdosta Police Department (VPD) Officers on Monday, November 4.  The officers were summoned when a citizen called E911 to report that someone had been shot inside a residence about 5:00 p.m.  The residence is located in the 500 block of Brookdale Circle.

When officers arrived at the residence, they found Shivers inside the house.  He had an apparent gunshot wound to his head.  First aide was provided by the responsive VPD Officers immediately.  Members of the Valdosta Fire Department (VFD), along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) arrived shortly thereafter to provide medical assistance.  Shivers was pronounced deceased at the scene.

AN investigation by the VPD Detectives and Crime Scene Personnel began as quickly as they responded to look into the incident.  Numerous people, who were observed exiting the house as officers arrived, and attempted to interview them.  A concerned parent called E911.  The mother reported that her son (15) was at her home and that he was possibly the shooter in this incident.

Officers responded to her residence and took custody of the teen (15).

VPD detectives determined that numerous teenagers were inside the residence when the youth allegedly began playing with a gun.  This information is based upon the detectives on scene investigation.  Witnesses stated that the gun discharged and struck the victim, resulting in his death.

The teen (15) was taken into custody, and he has been charged with:

• felony murder (felony),
• aggravated assault (felony),
• possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (felony), and
• possession of a firearm by a minor (misdemeanor).

The investigation is still active and ongoing.  VPD Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident, and further charges are pending.

VPD Chief Leslie Manahan has issued a statement.  She has stated, “Our prayers go out to everyone involved in the incident.  As one mother was grieving the loss of her son, the mother of the 15-year-old contacted E911 to cooperate with law enforcement.  This is a tragic incident affecting two families, which would not have occurred, if juveniles were not playing with a gun.”

The Valdosta Police Department requests the public’s help.  If anyone has any further information on this case or any other cases, please contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department/.