A quiet Tuesday night in LaGrange turned deadly when a man was shot on North Cary Street and later died, authorities said. Around 8:45 p.m., officers responded to the 60 block of North Cary Street and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. A 12-year-old juvenile was detained at the scene as detectives began their investigation. Neighbors nearby watched from their doorways but did not immediately have public comment while investigators processed evidence late into the night.
Police: Juvenile "mishandled" a loaded firearm
According to 11Alive, LaGrange police say the shooting happened when a 12-year-old mishandled a loaded firearm and it discharged, striking the victim. The outlet reports that police identified the victim as Nyquarious Gates. He was taken to Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center and later died from his injuries. LaGrange police describe the case as an active investigation handled by the department's Criminal Investigations Division.
Investigators ask for tips
Officials said the juvenile was detained and remains in police custody while detectives continue to interview witnesses and collect evidence. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact Detective B. Vinson at 706-883-2620 or to submit an anonymous tip through Troup County Crime Stoppers by texting the keyword LAGRANGE to 847411, as noted in local reporting. Police said they plan to release more details as key investigative steps are completed and it becomes clear what charges, if any, might follow.
Context: accidental shootings and safe storage
Unintentional shootings by children remain a persistent problem across the country, often involving loaded or unsecured guns in homes, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. Public-health research has found that keeping firearms unloaded, locked, and stored away from ammunition can sharply reduce the risk of accidental shootings and injuries among young people, with Injury Epidemiology/PMC highlighting safe-storage practices as a leading prevention strategy for youth firearm injuries and deaths.
What’s next
LaGrange police say their investigation remains active and that additional information will be released when available. It was not immediately clear whether prosecutors will file charges. For now, detectives continue to interview witnesses, review evidence, and work to piece together exactly how a loaded gun ended up in the hands of a 12-year-old on a residential LaGrange street.
