Douglas County

Teen, mother arrested after 17-year-old found shot to death in metro park

DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. — A 17-year-old and his mother have been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of a Douglasville teen.

The incident happened at Jesse Davis Park in Douglasville Tuesday night, near the park’s football field. Investigators said the victim was also 17 years old.

Joshua Blakely has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a stolen firearm, tampering with evidence and making false statements.

Lakeisha Blakely was charged with tampering with evidence, theft by receiving stolen property and obstruction of officers.

Douglasville Police Chief Gary Sparks said Lakeisha Blakely didn’t act like a responsible parent after her son shot and killed a teen.

“It’s a heart-wrenching feeling that we have another young man dead,” Sparks said.

The police chief told Channel 2′s Tom Jones that it’s also upsetting he has another young man locked up accused of killing someone.

Officers say Joshua Blakely shot and killed a 17-year-old boy on Malone Street Tuesday. Blakely’s mother was also arrested.

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“She wanted to help her son, and that’s not the way to help your son,” Sparks said. “We were looking for some items that were a part of the (shooting), and we feel that the mother may have helped get or displace some items,” Sparks said.

Sparks is distressed his office is investigating another shooting death involving teens. It’s the second in a week.

“Our young people are making bad decisions, and that’s why it’s important that parents parent,” Sparks said.

Sparks told Jones there are too many guns on the streets and too many young people willing to use them.

“We got to get back to trying to save them, and that’s what we try and do here,” Sparks said.

The Douglasville Police Department has several programs to help youth stay on the right track: conflict resolution, domestic violence anti-violence programs.

The chief said they were at a basketball league when the shooting happened. A town hall meeting on these issues is scheduled for Aug. 16.

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