Georgia boy, 7, killed at gas station after father allegedly leaves loaded gun in car, dad charged with murder

Tragedy Strikes as 7-Year-Old Fatally Shot in Georgia

A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Lithonia, an Atlanta suburb, when a 7-year-old boy lost his life due to a gunshot from a firearm left unattended in a vehicle. Dante Daugherty, a 42-year-old father, faces murder charges in connection with the incident that occurred at a Texaco gas station.

On a regular day, Dante Daugherty pulled into the Texaco gas station with his two sons, aged 6 and 7. The children briefly exited the vehicle but then returned as their father went into the convenience store. Tragically, as they waited, the younger brother left the car. Upon Daugherty’s return, he discovered his 7-year-old son, Zayre Daugherty, had been fatally shot.

Investigators from the DeKalb County Police Department revealed that Daugherty had left a loaded pistol in the vehicle, which the children came across while he was inside the store. The firearm discharge resulted in the young boy being shot in the head. Dante Daugherty now faces charges of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree cruelty to children.

Despite the tragic incident, no one at the gas station reported hearing the gunfire. An employee at the station, Akbar Dhanani, expressed deep sadness for the family, stating, “He comes here all the time… He is a regular customer and I feel so bad. He is like family, you know. I feel so sad for them.”

Note: This tragic incident is presented in a clear and straightforward manner, with short paragraphs and simplified language to enhance understanding.