In the winter of 2023, the life of 13-year-old Deshon DuBose was tragically cut short in Atlanta, Georgia. The young male was a seventh-grade student at Drew Charter School, where he was known by his peers and teachers as a gentle giant with an old soul, earning him the affectionate nickname 'grandfather.' He was part of a mentoring program called 'Dreamers,' which focused on community service, and had aspirations of one day becoming a pastor.
On the night of Saturday, January 21, 2023,
Deshon had his mother's permission to attend a 'teen night' at the Cascade Family Skating rink in southwest Atlanta. As he was leaving the rink around 11:30 p.m., a dispute between two groups erupted into gunfire in the parking lot. Deshon, an innocent bystander, was struck by multiple gunshots. He was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
In the wake of the shooting, the Atlanta Police Department released surveillance footage to the public showing a large group of people involved in a fight just before the shooting, and another individual running away with a gun in his hand. Investigators sought to speak with several individuals seen in the video and released images of persons of interest.
In March 2023, a 16-year-old named Chiurazzi Bailey Jr. was arrested in connection with Deshon's death. Though a minor, he was charged as an adult. By June of that year, a grand jury indicted Bailey on eight counts, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and cruelty to children. Bailey initially pleaded not guilty in August 2023. However, in October 2025, at the age of 18, he accepted a plea deal. The agreement saw the felony murder, murder, and aggravated assault charges dropped. Bailey pleaded guilty to lesser charges, including second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children. He was sentenced to 15 years, with four years to be served in prison, followed by six years of probation.
