A quiet Atlanta neighbourhood has been rocked by a heart-wrenching tragedy after a 12-year-old boy was shot inside his own home by a relative who mistook him for a burglar.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening in Clayton County, has left young Daquavius Royalston fighting for his life in hospital with critical injuries.
A Devastating Case of Mistaken Identity
According to Clayton County Police, the shooting took place around 10 PM at the family home on Canterbury Drive. Preliminary investigations suggest that a male relative, who was armed, heard noises inside the property and believed an intruder had broken in.
In a split-second decision that would have devastating consequences, the relative fired his weapon, striking the child. It was only after the shot was fired that the horrifying truth emerged - the supposed 'intruder' was actually young Daquavius.
Community in Shock
Neighbours described the immediate aftermath as chaotic and heartbreaking. "We heard the shot and then the screaming," one local resident recounted. "It's every family's worst nightmare come true."
Emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes, with paramedics working desperately to stabilise the critically injured boy before transporting him to a nearby medical facility.
Ongoing Investigation
Clayton County Police have confirmed that the shooting is being treated as accidental, though the investigation remains active. The relative who fired the shot is cooperating fully with authorities.
"This appears to be a tragic accident where a family member mistakenly believed there was an intruder in the home," a police spokesperson stated. "Our thoughts are with this young boy and his family during this incredibly difficult time."
The case has reignited discussions about gun safety in homes with children, with community leaders calling for greater education about firearm security and crisis response.
