ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Three people in masks were shot and killed by a homeowner Monday morning on White Oak Court in Rockdale County, Georgia, authorities said.
Investigators have not determined if the deadly shooting at a residence on White Oak Court outside Conyers was the result of a home invasion, Rockdale Sheriff Eric Levett told AJC.com.
WSB-TV reported that the case “could possibly be a stand your ground-type case.”
Early Monday, September 16 shortly after 4 a.m. Rockdale deputies were dispatched to a home after reports that shots were fired. AJC reported that upon arrival, three masked teenage boys, aged 15, 16 and 16, were found lying on the ground.
WSB-TV reported that the deputies saw one of the teens deceased at the edge of a driveway, partially in the road, while another was further down the street and had apparently been running.
First aid was administered to two but died at the hospital, according to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office.
The three downed teens all had masks on and none reportedly lived at the home where they were found, according to the sheriff’s office.
A neighbor said he heard five gunshots, the second of which got him out of bed. About 10 emergency vehicles responded and the coroner was called, according to AJC.
The homeowner was not injured and was outside when the shooting occurred. He was taken to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigation division for interviewing.
According to an update from the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office:
The deceased individuals from the early morning shooting on White Oak Court in Conyers, Georgia have been identified as juveniles aged 15, 16, and 16, all from Conyers, Georgia. The three were killed during an exchange of gunfire with a resident on White Oak Court. To this point, the investigation has revealed that the three now deceased individuals had their faces covered as they approached the residence and attempted to rob three individuals in the front yard. One of the attempted robbery suspects brandished a handgun and fired shots at the residents before one of the intended robbery victims returned fire. The victims of the attempted robbery were all uninjured, but the three attempted robbery suspects were all shot during the exchange of gunfire and succumbed to their injuries, one on scene and two at a local hospital after being transported.
Investigators have been actively interviewing the three individuals from the residence and other neighbors with information throughout the day. No charges have been filed against anyone at this time.
The investigation is still very active and the RCSO is asking for anyone with information in connection with this incident to contact the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office at 770-278-8000 and speak with Investigator Dwayne Smith or Sergeant Jeremy Best. More details may be released as they become available during the investigation.
Deputy Lee Thomas
RCSO PIO
