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12-year-old detained after fatal LaGrange shooting

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Published  March 26, 2026 6:19am EDT
LaGrange
FOX 5 Atlanta

The Brief

    • Police say a 12-year-old was mishandling a loaded gun when it discharged, fatally shooting a man Wednesday night.
    • Officers found Nyquarious Gates with a gunshot wound; he later died at the hospital.
    • The juvenile was taken into custody as investigators continue to review the circumstances.

LAGRANGE, Ga. - A 12-year-old boy was detained after a fatal shooting Wednesday night in LaGrange, according to the LaGrange Police Department.

What we know:

Officers responded around 8:45 p.m. to North Cary Street following reports of a person shot. When they arrived, officers found Nyquarious Gates suffering from a gunshot wound.

Gates was transported to WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

Investigators with the department’s Criminal Investigations Division determined that a 12-year-old male juvenile was mishandling a loaded firearm when it discharged, striking Gates.

The juvenile was taken into custody.

What we don't know:

At this time, it is unclear if the juvenile has been formally arrested and charged. If so, he is possibly looking at a charge of involuntary manslaughter. 

What you can do:

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective B. Vinson at 706-883-2620.

The Source

  • Information provided via press release from LaGrange Police Department. 

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