A tragic incident in Gwinnett County, Georgia, may have resulted from a gun-cleaning mishap, leaving a 17-year-old dead.
Authorities looking into the death of Sheldon Lewis turned their attention to an adjoining motel room occupied by 31-year-old Shermarcus Cockran. According to FOX 5 reports, Cockran’s firearm accidentally discharged while he was cleaning it, sending a bullet through the wall and fatally striking Lewis.
As previously reported by CrimeOnline, Gwinnett County Police responded to a call just before midnight on Thursday at the Live In Lodge in Lilburn, where they discovered the teenager’s lifeless body.
Lewis had been in room 216, engaged in a video game, when the stray bullet from Cockran’s room pierced the wall, ending his life.
Following an initial investigation, police apprehended Cockran. He now faces multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct.
Previous Video Coverage
While crime scene investigators spent the better part of Friday morning gathering evidence at the scene, many questions remain.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific type of firearm used or confirmed whether it was legally registered to Cockran.
It is also unclear how long the two have been residing at the motel.
Cockran is expected to remain in the Gwinnett County Jail until his preliminary hearing, which the sheriff’s office anticipates will take place sometime this weekend.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help the victim’s family with expenses.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Sheldon Lewis/GoFundMe]
