04/18/2022

Outside of a DeKalb County skating rink on April 9th, 2022, 11-year-old D’Mari Johnson was shot in the head. In a cell phone video shared on social media by the family, one can see a large fight taking place outside of the Golden Glide skating rink prior to the incident. However, the individual responsible for the shooting has yet to be identified.

Johnson’s family held a press conference on Monday with their attorneys, Shean Williams and Gary Andrews from The Cochran Firm Atlanta.

“We don’t know why he was shot. We just know he shouldn’t have been shot.”

-Williams

Williams claimed that the Golden Glide skating rink has had a history of violence, indicating that the shooting would not have occurred if the skating rink had adequate security measures in place. According to Williams, Johnson’s family feels that the skating rink should also be held accountable.

“Their child was shot at a place that has a history of issues and violence. Golden Glide has a history of violence at that place, a history of violence and shooting. We believe the shooting wouldn’t have occurred if the place had adequate security.”

-Williams

According to his family, Johnson is currently in a medically induced coma.

"We are confused. We want answers, and we just want to know what's going on with D'Mari. Please, somebody come forward and bring justice to our family.”

Brittani Johnson, D’Mari’s Aunt

According to Williams, the family claims they feel as if they are not getting adequate information from the DeKalb County Police Department about the continuing investigation. Currently, no arrests have been made. However, Johnson is still fighting for his life. Williams asked during the press conference if anyone who witnessed the shooting and/or possibly has more information to call the DeKalb County Police Department.

"Someone knows those individuals. There were a lot of people there that night."

-Williams

Read more at Fox 5 Atlanta.

Read additional information at CBS 46 News.