ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A vigil was held on Friday as family, friends and a community gathered to honor and remember a 17-year-old boy who was shot and killed while walking home from Norcross High School on Wednesday.
Dozens lit candles and released balloons in DeAndre Henderson’s honor.
“My son was fearless, he was bold, he was a helper, a protector,” said Henderson’s mother Kimberly Parks.
No arrest has been made in this shooting. However, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department, Brendon Young was charged with Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault in connection with Henderson’s homicide.
Henderson’s mother says she doesn’t recognize Young or understand why he would shoot her son.
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“That was my child and he took his life. It was senseless and right now, I don’t have any compassion,” Parks said.
Investigators say “Henderson left the Norcross High School campus during school hours, but was outside the school grounds when the shooting occurred.” Officials say “the shooting did not occur on school property. Norcross High School students and staff are not under any threat.”
Police said the preliminary investigation leads detectives to believe this was an isolated incident.
“It makes you wonder what’s happening and are my kids safe,” one parent told Atlanta News First on Thursday.
This all comes on the heels of parents, students, and teachers telling Atlanta News First that the rise in violence at a Gwinnett County high school is out of control.
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On Thursday morning, Alexis Rivers and other Norcross High School students found out that their friend, Henderson died after he was shot on Technology Parkway on Wednesday afternoon.
“He always cared about others, always put himself last, always put others first, He didn’t care what the situation was, he was always there, always had your back,” one of Henderson’s friends said.
“That’s my baby brother, He didn’t even make it to 18 yet. This weekend, he was about to go get his driver’s license and everything,” his brother said.
On Friday, Gwinnett County Police Chief, J.D. McClure, released a statement about youth gun violence:
<i>Families are losing far too many children and teenagers due to senseless violence and actions that could have been prevented. I want our young people to develop the courage needed to walk away from confrontation.</i>
— Gwinnett County Police Chief, J.D. McClure
Wednesday’s shooting prompted the district’s superintendent to reinforce its commitment to school safety in a video message to parents.
“As a parent, I know the concern and the fear these school and community shootings can create,” GCPS Superintendent Dr. Calvin Watts said in the video.
“I want to be clear that gun violence in our community and around the country is unacceptable and needs to stop. As a district we are taking the necessary measures to ensure schools are safe,” said Watts.
In August, the district restructured its student discipline procedures to reduce the number of students being sent to tribunals.
Parents in Georgia’s largest school system are demanding answers after a student’s death this week due to gun violence. Some parents are calling on the school board and the superintendent to resign.
In the video message to parents on Wednesday, the district’s superintendent said they’re hiring more school resource officers and reviewing safety plans with students and staff.
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“I know that in any school setting there is the opportunity for there to be violence, but I hope that with the extra resource officers they’re adding to Gwinnett County school system, that that will help,” a parent told Atlanta News First on Thursday.
This is an active investigation, and detectives are exploring all motives. If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case
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