‘Not going to bring him back:’ Family of 16-year-old killed in Snellville reacts to suspect’s arrest

SNELLVILLE, Ga. — For the first time, we’re hearing from the family of the 16-year-old boy killed outside of a shopping center in Snellville. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested another teen in his murder.

Channel 2′s Audrey Washington was in Snellville, where the family told her the victim, Nasir Davis had just left a birthday party.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

We are definitely grateful that he was caught in such a short amount of time. We’re grateful that that happened but it’s not going to bring him back,” said Davis’ family member who asked not to be identified for the report, for fear of retaliation.

17-year-old Keegan Gates faces several charges including felony murder, in connection with the shooting death of Davis.

Snellville police said on Saturday, when they responded to a large fight in the parking lot of a shopping center on Scenic Highway, they heard gunshots.

Police said they then found Davis suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.

He later died.

Davis’ family member said she remembered dropping Davis off at a party, inside a restaurant at the shopping center.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Juvenile arrested in shooting that killed Tri-Cities student following basketball game
• 2 men charged in shooting at Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade
• HAVE YOU SEEN HER? 12-year-old last seen in Florida may be traveling through Georgia

Police said they then found Davis suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He later died.

Davis’ family member said she remembered dropping Davis off at a party, inside a restaurant at the shopping center.

“He was in good spirits,” she said.

“It’s so surreal really to be here and he’s not here. To see his bookbag and to see his jacket. You know?” she added.

What led up to the fight and the subsequent shooting, is still unclear.

Snellville police and the GBI are asking for tips in the case.

The family of Nasir Davis started a GoFundMe account to help with funeral expenses. Click here if you would like to help.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:

The Melody, Atlanta's first rapid housing community, is now open downtown (WSB-TV)

©2023 Cox Media Group