Second arrest in LaGrange apartment complex homicide

LAGRANGE, Ga. - A second arrest has been made in connection with the shooting death of a 22-year-old man in LaGrange earlier this week.

A 12-year-old is accused of pulling the trigger.

What we know:

Azion Dakevion Avery, 19, of LaGrange, was arrested Thursday and booked into the Troup County Jail on charges of furnishing a firearm to a minor, reckless conduct, theft by receiving a stolen firearm, false statements, and felony involuntary manslaughter.

LaGrange police say Avery was at the scene and owned the gun. Investigators determined his actions were negligent, leading to the death of Nyquarious Gates. After a forensic examination, the 9mm pistol was determined to be stolen.

What we don't know:

It is unclear when Avery's next court appearance will be or if he will be granted bail.

The backstory:

The shooting occurred around 8:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Wood Glen Apartments off North Cary Street. According to the LaGrange Police Department, officers found Gates bleeding from a gunshot wound; he was rushed to WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, where he later died.

Investigators said a 12-year-old had been playing with the loaded gun. Family members told FOX 5 Atlanta that Gates had instructed the child to put the weapon down. As the child was doing so, the gun discharged, striking Gates in the chest.

The sixth grader was taken into custody on charges of involuntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a minor. Neither Gates nor the 12-year-old lived at the complex.