DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - A 16-year-old Douglas County boy was charged Wednesday with murder after deputies said he shot his 17-year-old friend during an argument over a video game controller.
The deadly shooting happened around 12:45 Monday morning in the Lakeside Mobile Home Park off of Bankhead Highway in Lithia Springs. Deputies said they received a call from a concerned neighbor who heard a loud noise and saw a group of teens running from one of the mobile homes.
"I was there and it was an accident. Those guys were best friends, they were like brothers," a shaken Bilial William's told FOX 5's Aungelique Proctor.
Investigators said when deputies arrived on the scene, they found 17-year-old Gonzalo Gonzalez-Abara shot to death.
Gabriel Cruz was located several hours later. He was charged with malice murder and tampering with evidence.
"Anybody that is a caring, concerned person is shocked to hear that someone would have an argument that escalates to something else over a remote. The sheriff is definitely concerned about young people with guns,” Sgt. Jesse Hambrick remarked.
Friends said Gonzalez-Abara had big dreams of starting his own clothing line, writing a book, and making a movie.
"We are all like family. We wouldn't hurt each other. This should have never happened," Williams
Deputies said they recovered a handgun believed to have been used.