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South Fulton speaks on killed teens, suspect at-large
The City of South Fulton gave a press conference led by Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs presenting the latest on an investigation into the shooting deaths of 14-year-old Jeremiah Carter and 16-year-old Jamauri Smarr. The shooting occurred on Tuesday night, March 17, 2026, just before 8:30 p.m.
SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - A press conference was held Thursday morning to provide an update on a shooting that left two teenagers dead in a South Fulton neighborhood.
Police are still searching for the gunman responsible for the shooting, which happened Tuesday night in the Cooks Landing subdivision.
STORY: South Fulton police continue searching for shooter who killed 2 teens
What they're saying:
South Fulton leaders said police are actively working to solve the double homicide that left two teenagers dead, emphasizing that investigators are following "very promising" leads but are still in the early stages of the case.
"Our law enforcement officers have been working around the clock to solve this matter," officials said.
Officials said the teens did not live in the neighborhood and that while the shooting may have stemmed from a prior dispute, a motive has not been confirmed.
They also pushed back on rumors circulating online, saying, "We urge the public not to speculate," as detectives work to build a case based on verified facts.
They added that there may have been a third person in the vehicle, who is not considered a suspect at this time, and that it’s still unclear whether the shooter or shooters were inside or outside the car.
Officials said detectives are reviewing evidence, including possible video, and working closely with partners, including Fulton County Schools.
They also reassured residents about safety in the area and made it clear the investigation remains a top priority, saying, "We are working several leads that appear to be very promising." Investigators also delivered a direct message to whoever is responsible: "We’re going to find you… it’s just a matter of time."
What happened
The backstory:
Officers responded to the 4200 block of Fortune Point just before 8:30 p.m. after reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found two teenage victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both teens were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they later died.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner identified the victims as 16-year-old Jamauri (J'Mauri) Smarr and 14-year-old Jeremiah Carter.
J'Mauri Smarr and Jeremiah Carter (Provided by South Fulton Police Department)
Investigators spent hours at the scene overnight, focusing in part on a white sedan that was later towed away.
South Fulton Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs called the shooting a "devastating loss" and said the city is working closely with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
"My heart goes out to the families of these young victims and the entire community as we grapple with this," the mayor said.
What they're saying:
The violence has shaken the community.
"When I heard what happened, I was kind of shocked," Jarvis Penn said.
Penn knew Jeremiah Carter through the Ellenwood Elite Gators youth football team, where Carter played and made an impact.
What we don't know:
Investigators have not released a possible motive, and it’s unclear whether the teens lived in the neighborhood.
What you can do:
Anyone with information is urged to contact South Fulton Police.