DECATUR COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) – According to Decatur County Deputy Coroner DeWitt Phillip, a 13-year-old boy has shot and killed an 8-year-old boy in Bainbridge.

Coroner Phillips says the incident occurred Friday night around 11 p.m. in the 3000 block of Vada Road.

“We have reiterated to people, secure your firearms. Kids get a hold of them, and they don’t think. They watch TV and everyone gets up. We need people to secure ‘em so we don’t have these children dead. Don’t leave them out where kids can play with them, because they just don’t understand,” said Deputy Coroner Phillips.

Officials report that the shooting took place at the grandmother’s home, where the children were present.

According to the initial incident report by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office, “The deputy determined that Powell was beyond life saving measures. While assessing the situation, the deputy was unable to locate the firearm as it was not near the scene of the deceased.”

The 8-year-old’s body, now identified as Kylen Powell, has been sent to the crime lab for an autopsy.

“I have worked so many of these, and it’s not easy and it never gets easier for us. The family’s have to live with it but the coroner’s do too,” continued Phillips.

The Decatur County School System issued a statement regarding this incident saying, “We ask everyone to continue to keep the families impacted by this tragic incident in your thoughts and prayers. Decatur County Schools cannot provide additional comment due to the ongoing investigation associated with this unfortunate incident.”

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into this incident.

WALB is continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. Stay with us for updates as more information becomes available.

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