Following an extensive investigation across several states, the Paulding County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of five individuals in connection with the shooting death of 11-year-old Zander Whatley in his Douglasville home. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, Joseph Tarawalie was identified as a suspect by the Sheriff's Office in collaboration with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.
Tarawalie was located and detained in Arlington, Virginia, earlier this month, then extradited to Paulding County, where he is being held without bond. The case has drawn attention due to the victim's age and the violence of the incident, which is believed to be linked to a dispute with one of Zander Whatley's older siblings.
The other suspects—Nazier Anderson, Al-Hamid Kuyateh, Osman Sesay Jr., and Modou Stephenson—were also charged in connection with the fatal shooting. Anderson surrendered to authorities, and Sesay was arrested following a traffic stop in Charlotte, N.C, as WSB-TV reported. All five suspects now face murder charges. On the night of April 29, 2024, Zander Whatley was fatally shot while seeking safety as his family was targeted by gunfire.
The Paulding County Sheriff's Office expressed their commitment to justice for Zander and his family, saying, "We extend our deepest condolences to the family and express our gratitude to the GBI and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force for their invaluable assistance in this case," as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. The next court appearances for the suspects have not been disclosed, and it is unclear whether any of the defendants have secured legal representation or if the $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrests will be claimed.
The Sheriff's Office is urging the public to come forward with any additional information about the shooting. Individuals with knowledge are encouraged to contact the Paulding County Sheriff's Office Tip Line at 770-443-3047 or use the Paulding Sheriff mobile app to provide evidence.
