Balloon release held for South Fulton teens killed; police arrest accused shooter

14-year-old arrested in South Fulton murders

South Fulton police have arrested a 14-year-old accused of killing two other teens in the Cooks Landing subdivision last week. Keyshawn Hughes will be tried as an adult.  What We Know

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - South Fulton police arrested a 14-year-old on Sunday, accused of killing two other teens in the Cooks Landing subdivision last week. The arrest occurred the same day that a balloon release was held in the victim's honor. 

What we know:

Keyshawn Hughes was taken into custody without incident during a targeted operation by the South Fulton Police Department's Fugitive Unit around 1:15 p.m. on Sunday.

Hughes is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of felony murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18.

Authorities confirmed Hughes will be prosecuted as an adult in connection with the deaths of 16-year-old Jamauri (J'Mauri) Smarr and 14-year-old Jeremiah Carter.

A spokesperson for the police department said officers tracked a vehicle associated with Hughes to a church on Fairburn Road and observed him getting into the vehicle when the service ended. 

Hughes was arrested during a traffic stop afterward. 

"The suspect was transported to the South Fulton Police Department’s Roosevelt Precinct, where Criminal Investigations Division (CID) personnel assumed the investigation," the spokesperson said. 

What they're saying:

Loved ones held a balloon release in remembrance of Smarr and Carter at Welcome All Park in South Fulton on Sunday.

"It was very heartbreaking. It was, I think, more shock than anything. We heard about the story prior to knowing it was actually him," said Tynia Waker, who knew the victims. "So it touched all of our hearts. But the moment we knew who it was, it was just devastating. It completely changed our entire week."

Dr. Cedric Alexander, interim public safety director for the city of South Fulton, said the arrest represents the department's commitment to cracking down on violent crime.

"Our officers and investigators are utilizing proactive, intelligence-led policing strategies to move swiftly, act decisively, and ensure those responsible for these acts are brought to justice. This is the level of commitment our community deserves, and it is the standard we will continue to uphold," Dr. Alexander said. 

The backstory:

South Fulton officers responded to the 4200 block of Fortune Point just before 8:30 p.m. on March 17 after receiving reports of gunfire.

Law enforcement found Carter and Smarr suffering from gunshot wounds. The pair were taken to the hospital, where they later died.

The teens did not live in the neighborhood. 

What we don't know:

Officials previously said that while the shooting may have stemmed from a prior dispute, a motive has not been confirmed. FOX 5 has not yet received Hughes' booking photo. 

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