In the summer of 2017, the life of a young Columbus, Mississippi boy was tragically cut short in what was described as an accidental shooting. Twelve-year-old LaGarius Devonta 'G-Baby' Morris, a male, died on July 13, 2017, from a gunshot wound sustained while he and other children were playing with a rifle at a home on Florence Street.
The incident unfolded in the afternoon when a group of children discovered a semi-automatic rifle.
A 13-year-old relative of LaGarius is believed to have accidentally discharged the weapon, leading to the fatal injury. Investigators at the time stated that there was no indication of an argument or fight between the two children leading up to the shooting. The owner of the rifle was reportedly out of town on business at the time of the incident.
Following the shooting, the Columbus Police Department investigated the circumstances surrounding the death of the young African American boy. While the initial assessment pointed towards a tragic accident, authorities announced that the case would be presented to a Lowndes County grand jury for further review. At the time of the initial reports, no charges had been filed in connection with the shooting. The community mourned the loss of LaGarius, who was remembered as a talented football player and drummer who was active in his church's youth ministry. There have been no subsequent public reports regarding the outcome of the grand jury's review of the case.
