In a tragic turn of events within a Peachtree Corners apartment, 13-year-old Kayla Serrano lost her life in what police have described as a domestic-related double murder-suicide. The young female was a student at Pinckneyville Middle School, where grief counselors were later brought in to support her classmates and teachers through the sudden loss.
The incident unfolded on a Tuesday afternoon at a residence on Bannor Lane.
Responding to calls, Gwinnett County police discovered a harrowing scene with five individuals shot inside the townhouse. Kayla and her 19-year-old cousin, Andre McLean, were found deceased at the scene. Two other female relatives, Kayla's grandmother and great-aunt, were also found with gunshot wounds and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Investigators identified the shooter as Kayla's 30-year-old uncle, Brandon McLean. After shooting his family members, he turned the gun on himself and later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at Gwinnett Medical Center. A family member who spoke to the media described the moments leading up to the shooting, stating that Brandon McLean had been yelling at Kayla before he went upstairs and opened fire. This same relative characterized the shooter as an unemployed man who was angry and lived off of his mother. Police believe a family dispute was the catalyst for the violent outburst and have stated they are not looking for any other suspects in the case.
