DEKALB, GA — A local community is reeling after a tragic incident involving students from DeKalb Alternative School resulted in the death of 13-year-old Derron Woody during an afterschool altercation. The school’s principal, Terrence Harvey, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a communication to parents and students, expressing deep condolences to Derron’s loved ones and the school community.
The fight, which took place on Thursday near the school premises, escalated to violence ending with Woody sustaining a fatal gunshot wound. Responding to the emergency around 4:30 p.m., law enforcement authorities found the young teen and rushed him to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
In the wake of the tragedy, the school has been proactive in supporting its students and staff, deploying a crisis intervention team to provide grief counseling. The community and school family are enveloping Derron’s family with support during this challenging time.
Police have taken another middle school student into custody for questioning as investigations continue, aiming to uncover the motive behind the fight and the events that led to the shooting. As of now, no formal charges have been filed.
Derron, remembered fondly by his family as a vibrant and enthusiastic individual, had celebrated his fifth-grade graduation with his parents in 2023. His father, Derrick Woody, in a distraught state, recounted receiving the harrowing news while at work. According to him, his son was attempting to flee the altercation when he was shot. Overcome with emotion, Derrick Woody reminisced about his son’s love for life and everyone around him, dispelling any notion of him being a troublesome youth.
The community’s description of Derron paints him as the “ultimate gamer,” often found immersed in his PlayStation 5 when not engaged in academic pursuits. His passion for gaming was a significant part of his young life, illustrating his playful and carefree spirit.
Amidst their mourning, Derron’s family is also facing the challenge of managing funeral expenses. They have initiated a GoFundMe to gather financial support to give Derron the farewell he deserves. The case has also opened the door for community tips, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.
The loss of Derron Woody is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the drastic impact of violence, echoing through the corridors of DeKalb Alternative School and beyond. As the investigation progresses, the community holds onto hope for justice and efforts toward preventing such incidents in the future.