Jaden Simmons (Cherokee County Sheriff's Office)
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - More than three years after 14-year-old Landon Andrews was shot to death at a Cherokee County house party, investigators say they have arrested a suspect in connection with his murder.
Andrews, a student at Kell High School in Cobb County, was shot in the torso during a party on Victoria Road near Lake Allatoona on Oct. 17, 2021. He was found inside an SUV and rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where he later died.
Detectives continued investigating the case for years, but said no one who was at the party came forward with information. In October, they released a new video in the hopes that someone would give them a lead.
SEE ALSO: Mother of teenager killed at a house party recalls the last moments with her son
A 14-year-old is dead after being shot during an overnight house party in Woodstock, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
That renewed push seems to have helped. Officials say they received new information in recent weeks that led detectives to 22-year-old Jaden Simmons.
The Mableton resident had previously been identified as another victim in the shooting. He had sustained gunshot wounds to his hand and elbow and was treated at a local hospital.
Simmons was arrested on Sunday and faces charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, first-degree cruelty to children, and violation of Georgia's Street Gang Terrorism Act.
He's currently in custody at the Cherokee County Detention Center without bond.
Family remembers Landon Andrews
Landon Andrews (Family photo)
Speaking to FOX 5 days after the shooting, Shawnda Schafer, Andrews' mother, recalled the moment she said goodbye in the hospital.
"I just held his hand and told him I was sorry and that he didn't deserve this," she said. "I just rubbed his hair and told him I was sorry."
She said Landon was nicknamed Midnight as a baby due to his high energy and lack of sleep. She said that carried on into his teen years.
"He was just so bright and so full of life. He never met a stranger," Schafer said.
Andrews' family has established a foundation in his memory, offering scholarships and support to families in need.
The 14-year-old would have been preparing to graduate in 2024.
The Source: Information for this story came from a release by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and previous FOX 5 reports.