16-year-old killed in southeast townhome where he lived

Mother's significant other shoots 16-year-old in home

A 16-year-old was found shot to death inside southeast Atlanta townhouse. Police say the teen was returning home and mistaken for an intruder. The suspected shooter did not stay on the scene, but has been identified by police as a significant other of the mother.

ATLANTA - Atlanta police are investigating a deadly shooting at a townhouse community on Mulberry Row in southeast Atlanta. Homicide detectives, including the unit commander, responded to the investigation. 

What we know:

Investigators confirmed that one male victim was found shot to death inside the home. 

Initially, police said they were still working to determine whether the victim was a juvenile or an adult, describing the age as being in an "in-between" range. Late Monday afternoon, the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office identified the 16-year-old victim as Daquavius Royalston.

"Appears to be a true tragedy," said Atlanta Police Homicide Commander Lt. Andrew Smith. "The 16-year-old boy lived here and an occupant of the home, we believe, thought that he was breaking in and was an intruder and opened fire."

"It is someone that resided inside the home," Lt. Smith said. "A significant other of the mother of the child."

Investigators have a lot of questions for the suspected shooter. Once they find him, they will need to determine if any charges will be filed.

"Too early to tell, there are possibilities either way," Lt. Smith said.

People who live nearby were shocked to hear about the shooting.

"It is scary, but we do live in a community where a lot of stuff happens," one woman said. "Like you never know what can happen, you never know who's doing what."

What we don't know:

At this time, authorities have not released any other information about the suspected shooter.