In the summer of 2022, on June 19th, the life of 18-year-old Nyriek Olds was tragically cut short in a burst of gunfire at an apartment complex in Atlanta, Georgia. Just after noon, Atlanta police responded to a call of a person shot at the Villages at Carver on Moury Avenue. Upon their arrival, they discovered both Nyriek and another teen, 17-year-old Jamarquez McCrary, in a breezeway, each suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite the efforts of medical responders, both young men were pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly began, with Atlanta police releasing surveillance video to the public. The footage showed a person of interest running from one of the apartment buildings in broad daylight. This individual was later identified as 17-year-old Darshae Barnes Jr. In the days following the shooting, authorities asked for the public's assistance in locating him.
Nearly six months after the deaths of Nyriek and Jamarquez, an arrest was made in the case. On December 6, 2022, Atlanta police announced that Darshae Barnes Jr. was in custody. He was subsequently charged with multiple offenses, including felony murder, in connection with the fatal shootings.
A year after the tragic event, on June 19, 2023, a vigil was held at the Villages at Carver apartment complex to honor the memory of Nyriek Olds and Jamarquez McCrary. Sadly, violence once again erupted during the gathering. A dispute led to another shooting, leaving one person dead and another injured, further compounding the tragedy that had already deeply affected the community.
