In the quiet evening of February 12, 2025, the life of 16-year-old Chance Jamal Zager Johnson was tragically cut short in the Elk Run Subdivision of Douglasville, Georgia. The African American teenager was found with a gunshot wound at approximately 8:26 p.m. on High Country Drive. Emergency responders rushed him to a local hospital where he underwent hours of surgery, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries in the early morning of February 13, 2025.
Chance was known for his vibrant personality and his passions for sports and powersports. From a young age, he had a love for riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes, a passion he shared with customers at his family's business. He was also a dedicated basketball player, known for his strong work ethic. His family and friends remember him for his loyalty, generosity, and the joy he brought to their lives.
In the wake of the shooting, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation that led to the arrest of three individuals. Eighteen-year-olds Sidq Beour Zakaa Hujaahid and Jaeson Daries Cooper, both from Douglasville, and 21-year-old Juan Carlos Arellano of Atlanta were taken into custody. All three suspects have been charged with being a party to the crime of armed robbery, party to the crime of aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence. During their investigation, authorities recovered multiple vehicles, weapons, and ammunition from the scene. Another adult victim was also found to have sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder in the same incident. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation as the community mourns the loss of a promising young life.
