In LaGrange, Georgia, on the evening of March 25, 2026, a young man’s life was tragically cut short. Nyquarious Gates, a 22-year-old, was fatally shot at the Wood Glen Apartments on North Cary Street. Though he did not reside at the complex, he was present when a single gunshot wound ended his life. First responders arrived at approximately 8:45 p.m. to find Gates bleeding and rushed him to WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation into the shooting revealed a heartbreaking series of events. According to family members, Gates had been with a group of individuals when he noticed a 12-year-old boy playing with a loaded handgun. He instructed the child to put the weapon down. As the young boy was complying with the request, the firearm discharged, striking Gates in the chest. The LaGrange Police Department later described the shooting as a tragic accident, stating that the child never intended to harm Gates.
In the aftermath of the shooting, two individuals were taken into custody. The 12-year-old who was handling the gun was charged with involuntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a minor. The investigation also led to the arrest of 19-year-old Azion Dakevion Avery. Authorities determined that the 9mm pistol belonged to Avery and had been reported stolen. Avery was at the apartment complex at the time of the incident and, according to police, his negligence allowed the minor to have the weapon. He faces charges of furnishing a firearm to a minor, reckless conduct, theft by receiving a stolen firearm, making false statements, and felony involuntary manslaughter.
Known affectionately as "Ny-Ny," Nyquarious Gates was remembered by his mother as an "angel on Earth" who loved people and disliked guns. A graduate of LaGrange High School, he was described as a warm and energetic person who left a lasting impression on those he knew.
