Stepdad shoots, kills stepson, 16, following coronavirus ‘Stay at Home’ argument

An argument between an Atlanta, Georgia, stepfather and his stepson over the State’s shelter in place order resulted in the death of that stepson.  Police in Atlanta told the local media that on April 22, De’onte Roberts, 16, got into a heated argument with his mother and stepfather and then left the house against his parents’ wishes.

The teen’s mother told police he defied her and his stepfather’s orders to stay inside due to the coronavirus outbreak and left the house.  ~ Atlanta Journal-Constitution

When the teen returned home later in the evening, he did so by kicking in the door to the house – which initiated a physical confrontation between Roberts and his stepfather, 42-year-old Bernie Hargrove.  During that altercation, Hargrove shot his 16-year-old stepson in the chest, according to CNN.  Police say that Hargrove shot Roberts “multiple times.”

Roberts’ mother and younger sibling were in the house when Roberts was shot. He was transported to nearby Grady Memorial Hospital where he later died. Roberts’ stepfather was arrested and charged with felony murder.

Police have encouraged people, that if family tensions rise due to everyone being cooped up at home, to not allow those tensions to get out of control.

“When the pressure gets hot, you just have to take a deep breath and you have to separate. People are on top of each other right now. We’re staying in the house.” ~ Atlanta Police Capt. D’Andrea Price to KSB-TV

Hargrove appeared in court on April 23 and was denied bond by the judge.  He is currently being held in the Fulton County Jail.

Written by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter