DeKalb County CEO Condemns Celebratory Gunfire After County Employee Critically Injured

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson issued the following statement after learning that the victim critically injured during a July 4 celebratory gunfire incident is a longtime DeKalb County employee.

According to investigators, the employee was inside her Lithonia home on the evening of July 4 when a bullet fired during an act of celebratory gunfire entered the residence and struck her. She was transported to the hospital, where she is receiving medical care. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of celebratory gunfire. DeKalb County has worked for years to raise awareness about this preventable danger. Following the tragic death of 4-year-old Marquel in 2010, the County launched the Marquel's Law public awareness campaign to educate residents that bullets fired into the air always come down, often with tragic consequences. More than a decade later, this incident underscores why that message remains as important today as ever.

Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson issued the following statement:

"It is with a heavy heart that one of our own, a valued member of the DeKalb County family, was critically injured by this senseless and preventable act of celebratory gunfire.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our employee, her loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy. We are grateful for the swift actions of the DeKalb County Police Department, whose investigation led to two arrests, and we appreciate District Attorney Sherry Boston's leadership in ensuring this case is handled appropriately.

For years, DeKalb County has worked to educate our community about the dangers of celebratory gunfire because every bullet fired into the air has the potential to forever change a life. We urge everyone to celebrate responsibly, look out for one another and help prevent another family from experiencing this kind of heartbreak."

District Attorney Sherry Boston issued the following statement:

"On July 4, one of our dedicated employees, Lakesha Davis, was inside her own home when she was critically injured by what police believe was celebratory gunfire in her Lithonia neighborhood. I am grateful to the DeKalb County Police Department, who investigated and quickly made two arrests in connection with the shooting.

Today I sent the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia a formal request asking them to assign a conflict prosecutor to take over the case, which is the appropriate course of action under these circumstances.

I have met with Lakesha and her family members to offer our support. At this time, the Davis family respectfully asks for privacy while she recovers. We hope you will join us as we keep Lakesha and her loved ones in our prayers."

As the employee and her family focus on her recovery, DeKalb County respectfully asks the public to keep them in their thoughts and prayers, respect their privacy and help spread the message that celebratory gunfire is never harmless. Every bullet fired into the air eventually comes down, placing innocent lives at risk.