The fatal shooting of a 17-year-old Georgia boy, staying at a Gwinnett County motel, may have been a gun-cleaning accident.
While investigating the shooting death of Sheldon Lewis, police focus turned to the room next door, where Shermarcus Cockran, 31, had been staying. According to FOX 5, Cockran’s gun accidentally went off while he cleaned it. A bullet went through the wall and killed Lewis.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Gwinnett County Police said they were called to the Live In Lodge in Lilburn just before midnight Thursday and found the body of a dead teen.
Lewis is said to have been in room 216 playing video games when Cockran’s bullet traveled through the wall between his room and Cockran’s room.
Police arrested Cockran following the preliminary investigation. He currently faces several charges, including involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct.
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While crime scene investigators spent the better part of Friday morning gathering evidence at the scene, many questions remain.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific type of firearm used or confirmed whether it was legally registered to Cockran.
It is also unclear how long the two have been residing at the motel.
Cockran is expected to remain in the Gwinnett County Jail until his preliminary hearing, which the sheriff’s office anticipates will take place sometime this weekend.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help the victim’s family with expenses.
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Sheldon Lewis/GoFundMe]
