Standoff in DeKalb County ends with arrest of 18-year-old murder suspect

A standoff has came to an end at a residence on River Ridge Court near River Road and Panthersville Road in DeKalb County.

According to DeKalb County Police Department, they responded to a home in the 3500 block of Panthersville Road on April 28 in reference to two people shot.

Upon arrival, they located one person who was dead and another one suffering from a gunshot wound.

Detectives were able to identify a suspect and the DeKalb County Fugitive Squad tried to take that place in custody Thursday at a home on River Ridge Court.

The suspect, who has been identified as 18-year-old Shuntrez Giles, barricaded himself inside the home, according to police. There were family members inside the home, but they were evacuated safely.

After 5 hours of negotiation, Giles surrendered and he was taken into custody without incident. 

The victim was 17-year-old Tayshawn Foston, according to police. 

LIST OF GEORGIA JUVENILES, TEENS KILLED OR INJURED IN 2023 BY GUNS

Image 1 of 6

 

A spokesperson for the sheriff's office say deputies found the 18-year-old suspect hiding in the attic with a gun. He was checked out by medical personnel since it was so hot outside.

FOX 5 spoke with his grandparents who were obviously distraught.

"We tried to talk to him, but he won't come out," a man who said he was Giles' grandfather.

Several neighbors talked with us off camera about the teen terrorizing the neighborhood, allegedly steal guns and breaking in cars.

One neighbor said he recalled a petition that was circulating to have the teen removed from the subdivision.

Neighbor: "We had a petition for him not to come in the neighborhood."

Reporter: "So, you say he actually broke in your mother's home? 

Neighbor: "Yes."

Reporter: "Stealing guns

Neighbor: "That is what he does, stealing guns. He's a threat."

While a family friend said the 18-year-old lost his way after his mother was killed in a traffic accident two years ago.

"He was a good kid, a good kid up until his mom passed away. That changed his life. That would change anybody's life," family friend Corey Braden said

He was booked into the DeKalb County Jail.

MAP OF THE AREA