Suspect in Shooting That Left 6-Month-Old Dead Arrested in 24 Hours

A suspect was arrested for an Atlanta shooting that left a 6-month-old baby dead, less than 24 hours after the incident took place, according to authorities.

Dequasie Little, 22, is charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. Mayor Andre Dickens announced the arrest during a press conference on Tuesday.

“Gun violence is out of control, and we’re going to put an end to it here in Atlanta,” said Dickens.

Channel 2 Action News reports that Little had an extensive criminal history, including multiple violent felonies but no convictions. In 2019 he was charged with aggravated assault with an object, aggravated assault by strangulation, and simple battery related to a domestic incident with his ex-girlfriend.

Before that, he was arrested on robbery charges. He was additionally charged with theft after stealing a firearm. 

The shooting happened just before 3 p.m. on Monday at a Food Mart on Anderson Avenue. According to Atlanta police, two adults were involved in an argument that turned violent, and shots were fired.

6-month-old Grayson Matthew was hit by a stray bullet as his family rode past the Food Mart. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police had vowed to work tirelessly to identify a suspect in the case. Within 24 hours, Little was arrested and is believed to be the shooter. More arrests could be forthcoming. 

Little waived his first hearing on Wednesday, and his next court appearance has not been scheduled. He will remain behind bars at the Fulton County jail without bond. 

Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta by calling 404-577-8477, text information to 274637, or through the the Crime Stoppers website. There is a $2,000 reward for information related to the case.