5-year-old boy in DeKalb County possibly shot by twin, mother charged

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - The mother of a 5-year-old boy who was shot and killed inside a DeKalb County apartment on Wednesday afternoon is now facing charges in his shooting death.

Mother arrested in 5-year-old's death

What we know:

Lanecia Bennett, 25, was charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to children.

According to the DeKalb County Police Department, Bennett did not pull the trigger, but investigators believe she is, in part, responsible for his death.

Officers were called out at around 2:30 p.m. to The Village at Wesley Chapel Apartment Homes located along Pleasant Point Drive for the shooting. Officers found the 5-year-old, whose name is not being released, suffering from gunshot wounds.

He did not survive his injuries. 

Lanecia Bennett makes first appearance

Dig deeper:

Investigators say there were other young children in the home at the time of the shooting. On Thursday afternoon, the boy's twin found the gun in a black purse and shot the young boy. According to arrest warrants, Bennett is accused of leaving that gun in a black purse in her nightstand. "The gun was not locked in a gun safe or kept in a safe place," the warrant states. "She was aware that the two brothers were inside her bedroom where she left the loaded gun."

"One of the kids had a gun in his hands and fired one shot inside the upstairs bedroom, striking the child in the chest," the warrant continued.

Bennett made her first appearance on Thursday as well. "You are charged with cruelty to children in the second degree," said Judge Claire Jason during the brief hearing. "In addition, based upon that charge, the state charged you with murder in the second degree."

Bennett’s mother was present in the courtroom but declined to speak with reporters following the hearing.

Because of the nature of the charges, bond was not set at Thursday’s appearance. Bennett will remain in custody until a DeKalb County Superior Court judge determines whether she is eligible for release. 

Village at Wesley Chapel community reacts

What they're saying:

District Attorney Sherry Boston said shootings involving children and unsecured weapons happen too frequently. "These tragedies are preventable, and they underscore the need for responsible and safe gun ownership," Boston said in a statement.

Neighbors and friends of the young victim expressed shock and heartbreak over the loss.

"It’s sad to see that somebody we played football with, threw the ball with, dapped up every day — it’s sad to see that he’s gone now," said Jaiden Gonsoulin, a friend of the boy. "And it’s worse that he’s five."

Joshua Jones, a neighbor, said the incident left him feeling shaken. "I just recently moved here. This is what I get greeted with. I don’t want to be greeted with this ever again," he said.

Neighbor Joshua Jones expressed disbelief over the tragedy. "It's horrible. It's horrible," he said.

DeKalb County police said there is no ongoing threat to the public, but neighbors say the tragedy has shaken their sense of safety.

"I feel like we got to watch ourselves now," Gonsoulin added. "Now that this happened, we got to watch ourselves."

Police said there was no danger to the public, despite the incident.

Authorities said they ruled out a burglary or home invasion. 

DeKalb County police investigating

What we don't know:

Few details are being released at this time.

Investigators are still trying to determine who pulled the trigger. Police have not said whether anyone else may face charges in connection with the shooting.

The child hasn't been identified.

The investigation remains ongoing. 

A future court date has not yet been scheduled.

Gun safes for free

What you can do:

The DeKalb County Police Department is offering small gun safes for free at the following precincts:

East: 2484 Bruce Street

Tucker: 4451 Lawrenceville Highway

South: 2842 H.F. Shepherd Drive

North Central/Police Headquarters: 1960 W. Exchange Place

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