4 alleged gang members charged in shooting death of Athens child – WGAU

ATHENS, Ga. — Four suspects arrested in the shooting death of a 3-year-old in Athens have been charged with gang and murder.

Kyron Zarco, 3, was shot and killed March 8 at a mobile home park off Spring Valley Road in what police said was likely a gang-related shooting. A bullet also grazed his nine-year-old brother's leg.

Police have since arrested Julian Cubillos, Jayden Brown, Dakious Echols and Desmontrez Mathis, who authorities say are members of the “Everybody Eats” criminal street gang.

On Wednesday, Attorney General Chris Carr announced indictments against the four suspects for intentional murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and violation of Terrorism and Street Gang Prevention Act charges.

“The death of three-year-old Kyron Santino Zarco Smith is a tragedy that should never have happened, and we are committed to ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable for their actions,” Carr said.

Carr says his office has worked with Athens-Clarke police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to end gang violence in the county.

Since July 2022, they have charged at least 21 people in nine separate cases. At least five shootings between April 2022 and March 2024 have turned fatal, including the latest shooting that left Zarco dead.

“Our hearts still mourn the family of Kyron Zarco whose tragic loss shook the Athens community,” said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. “I am proud of the men and women of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department who acted quickly to identify and locate those responsible. Our commitment to ending gun and gang violence in the Athens community remains steadfast as we work in partnership with the Attorney General's Office to bring justice for Kyron and his family.

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