In the quiet town of Winder, Georgia, a heartbreaking story unfolded on a spring afternoon. Nine-year-old Anthony Barcinas Colon, a third-grade student at Yargo Elementary School, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. On that day, shortly after returning home from school, Anthony was found with a gunshot wound inside his family's residence on Avalon Court. Emergency responders were called to the scene around 4:30 p.m. and he was quickly airlifted to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
The community was left in shock, with neighbors and school friends mourning the loss of a boy described as a sweet and smart young man. Anthony was an active member of Boy Scout Troop #721 and had a passion for the outdoors, BB guns, gaming, and muscle cars. His family remembered his patriotism and love for his country. The tragic event left his parents and younger sibling, who were present in the house at the time but did not witness the shooting, devastated.
The Barrow County Sheriff's Office immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young boy's death. Authorities worked to determine whether the shooting was accidental or self-inflicted. Investigators interviewed family members, teachers, and friends to understand Anthony's state of mind leading up to the incident and to explore any possibility of bullying. The handgun involved was reported to have been in a secure place, but somehow Anthony managed to access it.
In the days following the tragic event, the Barrow County Sheriff, Jud Smith, indicated that a preliminary investigation suggested that no criminal charges would be filed in the case. The focus of the investigation remained on understanding how the tragedy occurred. There have been no public reports of any arrests being made or any suspects being named in connection with the death of Anthony Colon. The community was left to grapple with the loss of a young life gone too soon.
