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LaGrange Police are still working to identify the suspect responsible for killing 14-year-old Demarrion Carter on Friday night.

Carter, 14, was shot and killed while playing basketball in his own yard in the 800 block of Monroe Street Friday night, shortly before 7:40 p.m.

The young victim was transported to the emergency room by family members but was pronounced deceased at the hospital due to injuries sustained during the shooting.

Police say the initial investigation revealed that Carter was outside his residence when an unidentified individual walked up and fired a gun.

The case is currently under active investigation by the LaGrange Police Department Criminal Investigations Division. Detectives are working to identify the suspect and determine the incident’s circumstances.

LPD Cap. Jeremy Butler said the department currently does not have any additional leads on the homicide, but they are actively working the case and will hopefully have something soon.

By all accounts, Demarrion was a good kid with no enemies whose life ended tragically.

The teen had been part of the local mentorship program Empowerment3D Inc. The program’s founder, Jerome Cofield, had been mentoring Demarrion for five years. He said he thought of Demarrion as a son.

“Demarrion was a great kid. He always attended every event that we hosted. I’ve seen him from a little, small kid to a thriving teenager,” Cofield said.

Demarrion’s murder was a shock to Cofield. He said he couldn’t have imagined anything like that happening to him. 

Empowerment3D Inc. organized a fundraising effort to go to Demarrion’s mother, Shatavia Henderson, through Cash App. Cofield said that thanks to generous donors, the fundraiser has already reached the maximum limit the app allows for donations.

Demarrion’s first-grade teacher, Jeanette Wilson, has also set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for his funeral expenses. To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-demarrions-family-after-tragic-murder.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective C. Brown at (706) 883-2620. Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips through Troup County CrimeStoppers by calling (706) 812-1000, or via Tip411 by texting the keyword LAGRANGE to 847411 or using the Tip411 mobile app.