EAST POINT, Ga. — A 4-year-old child died by gunfire Sunday in an incident under investigation in East Point, police said.
In a statement Monday, East Point Police said it happened at the Martel Homes apartments. Police said officers were dispatched to the apartments at Norman Berry Drive and determined "the gunshot came from within the residence."
The details of how the child was shot were not immediately available, though East Point Police said in a release that the department "continues to stress the importance of securing weapons within your residence."
Police arrested Damarkis Perdue in the case. According to Fulton County Jail records, he faces second degree murder, cruelty to children and tampering with evidence charges.
The release from the East Point Police Department stated:
"East Point Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene and the injured juvenile was transported by Grady EMS for treatment. The scene was turned over to East Point Detectives. An arrest has been made in reference to the incident. The juvenile has succumbed to his injuries. More information will be released as it becomes readily available."
Dawn Harris lives nearby and said she was outside and saw some of the emergency crews responding.
"I saw the fire truck -- little bitty truck -- I said, I knew something had happened but to know it was a baby," Harris said.
The investigation continues.
Perdue was expected to appear in court for his first appearance on Tuesday, but he waived the court hearing. Court documents showed that he was denied bond.
His next court date will be on Jan. 24.
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