Wednesday, November 1, 2023

State v. Jakari Childs

Decatur, Ga.- A DeKalb County teenager has been indicted on multiple charges in connection with the shooting death of another teen outside a restaurant. 

Jakari Childs, 17, was indicted Tuesday by a DeKalb County Grand Jury on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. 

The charges stem from the July 15, 2023 shooting of Jacob Johnson, 16, outside the IHOP located at 3020 Panola Road. 

According to the preliminary investigation, Defendant Childs showed up at the restaurant unannounced looking for his ex-girlfriend, who worked there.  Johnson, who was best friends with the young woman, also worked at the IHOP and notified her about Childs’ arrival.  All three attended school together. 

Childs’ former girlfriend went outside to look for Childs and asked him to leave the restaurant.  Defendant Childs immediately shot Johnson, who was standing next to Childs’ ex-girlfriend.  She ran to a nearby business and asked employees to call 911.  Johnson did not survive. 

The case has been assigned to DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Stacey Hydrick.  Defendant Childs is scheduled for an arraignment on December 13, 2023.