The tragic incident involving a 3-year-old boy being shot and killed while watching a movie on the couch in Athens has left the community devastated. The mother, Shanita Smith, shared that her son, Kyron Zarco, was with his 9-year-old brother when the shooting occurred.
The details surrounding the shooting are still under investigation, and the specific circumstances leading to this heartbreaking event have not been fully disclosed.
Athens-Clarke County Police said they responded to the mobile home park just after 5:30 when they received a call. When they got there, they found one adult and two children shot.
Two of those children were Smith’s sons — two of her six kids. Her 9-year-old son is expected to survive and is in the hospital undergoing treatment. Kyron sadly passed away from his injuries.
“It went right through his heart, my baby didn’t even have a chance,” Smith told 11Alive’s Cody Alcorn Friday night in Athens. “Why? Why? I don’t bother nobody. I don’t bother nobody. So, were you aiming for someone else’s house? Because why? My sweet little baby.”
Police have not said how the adult injured in the shooting was related to the incident. Smith said all she knew was her two babies had been shot.
“Me and my fiancé, we live here,” Smith said. “We have six kids. We have six kids!”
Spring Valley Road is just a little over a mile from Athens Ben-Epps Airport.
“I’m young, but I love my kids,” Smith tearfully said. “I’d have did anything for my kids.”
Police do not have a suspect in custody at this time, and there is a $1,000 reward for information that helps lead to an arrest in the deadly shooting. If anybody has information, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 706-705-4775.
The loss of a young child in such a senseless act of violence has deeply impacted the family and the community, highlighting the urgent need for measures to address gun violence and ensure the safety of all individuals, especially children.
