Nationwide — Sheldon Lewis, a 17-year-old African American boy from Gwinnett County, Georgia, died after a stray bullet pierced the wall of his motel room. His family watched in horror as the teenager, playing video games, was struck and killed instantly.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the shooting happened around 11 p.m. Thursday at the Live In Lodge Extended Stay on Stone Mountain Highway. Lewis, an 11th grader at Parkview High School, was inside his room with family when the bullet came from the neighboring unit.
Police arrested 31-year-old Shemarcus Cockran, who was staying next door. He told investigators he had returned from a gun range and was cleaning his firearm when it accidentally discharged. The bullet went through the wall and struck Lewis.
Cockran now faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct. The Lewis family, staying at the motel due to financial difficulties, witnessed the shooting firsthand.
“We were all there to witness it which makes it more traumatic than it seems,” said Tomyia Lewis, Sheldon’s sister. “Like a phone call would’ve been easier to process, but actually witnessing it and him taking his last breaths was hard to see.”
Sheldon dreamed of becoming a chef and was known for his passion in the kitchen. His family has moved to another hotel to avoid the motel where the tragedy occurred. They also set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs while his mother continues to fight cancer. It has so far raised over $19,000.
Local authorities continue investigating the case as the family mourns their sudden loss.