OCILLA, Ga. (WALB) - A mother says her grief deepened after someone vandalized her daughter’s gravesite at a cemetery in Ocilla.

Chelsea King says her daughter, Chyell Nishaun Paulk, was 15 years old when she was shot at an after-prom party in the 300 block of E. Pine Street in Fitzgerald on April 28, 2024. Paulk was shot in the right side and taken to the hospital, where she died. Paulk, an Irwin County High School cheerleader and freshman honor roll student, is buried in Ocilla.

Three other students were also shot at the party. One student was shot in the face and released the following day. A 14-year-old was transported to a Macon hospital for surgery on his arm. A 19-year-old was also released from the hospital.

King says she discovered the vandalism at her daughter’s gravesite while visiting on Valentine’s Day.

“Walking up to her grave the other day, not knowing that’s what I was going to walk into, I felt weak,” King said. “I couldn’t even stand.”

Arrest made, but family wants more accountability

A 17-year-old, Channen Brown, is facing murder charges in connection with the shooting. Police say a second suspect was also firing at the party, and investigators are still working to identify that individual.

King says one person was arrested in connection with the shooting, but later bonded out. She says she believes others involved that night should also be held responsible.

“It was multiple kids shot that night,” King said. “And I feel like there should be some accountability held.”

King says it has been more than 680 days since her daughter’s death and that every day continues to be painful.

“Justice means the people responsible are not being held accountable,” King said. “My daughter did matter. Her life mattered. I will keep speaking until justice is truly served.”

Vandalism investigation underway

Ocilla Police Chief Bill Barrs says the department is investigating the vandalism report. He says detectives have checked nearby cameras, including those at the housing authority across the street from the cemetery, but those cameras do not face the gravesite.

Police say the case remains an active investigation. Barrs says anyone identified could face criminal charges related to damaging or desecrating a gravesite.

“I would advise them to go ahead and report to the police department and turn themselves in,” Barrs said. “Ms. King is upset because of what has happened. To give her some closure, I would advise them to come speak with our detective.”

King says she has a message for whoever vandalized the grave.

“Would you please stop?” she said. “What harm could a 15-year-old have done to anybody?”

The vandalism investigation remains open. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ocilla Police Department.

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