Inset: Devin Orr. Background: Investigators at the scene after Orr allegedly shot and killed a 12-year-old boy (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department).
What police describe as a prearranged courtyard fight ended in tragedy when a 24-year-old man allegedly drew a firearm and shot a 12-year-old boy in the head as the child tried to run away, Tennessee authorities said.
Devin Orr has been charged with criminal homicide in connection with the death of Damarion Morehead in Nashville, police said. Investigators said six or seven people, including Orr and Damarion, had gathered in the courtyard for a fight that authorities described as being “over a female.”
Local NBC affiliate WSMV reported that an arrest affidavit said the group, Damarion among them, was seen striking Orr in the head with punches and kicks. Police said Orr eventually got to his feet and produced a gun, prompting Damarion and others to run.
Authorities allege Orr fired twice. One bullet hit Damarion in the head, causing him to collapse.
Emergency crews transported Damarion to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Damarion’s relatives are devastated and still trying to understand what led to the fatal shooting.
Nancy Givans, the boy’s great-grandmother, said she is struggling to comprehend why an adult so much older would be involved with children and teenagers.
“Twenty-four, why would you be around these kids?” Givans said in an interview with local Fox affiliate WZTV. “Why did he bring a gun?”
Damarion was a middle school student who loved to play football. One of his last conversations with his great-grandmother was about how much he appreciated her.
“I had a conversation, he told me he loved me and … he respected me because I took care of him,” she told the TV station. “I am grateful that he did love me.”
Officers arrested Orr on Monday morning and transported him to the Davidson County Jail, where he remains without bond. During an interview, Orr allegedly admitted to ditching the gun he used inside a sewer on Charlotte Pike. He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.
