Crime
13-Year-Old Derron Woody Fatally Shot During After-School Altercation in DeKalb County
DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Authorities have identified the middle school student who was fatally shot during an after-school altercation as 13-year-old Derron Woody.
In a letter to families on Friday, DeKalb Alternative School Principal Terrence Harvey confirmed Woody’s passing and extended condolences to his family and friends.
A crisis intervention team was made available at the school to provide grief counseling for students and staff.
The shooting occurred around 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the 4800 block of Glenwood Road.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a juvenile male suffering from a gunshot wound. Woody was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
According to police, another middle school student was taken into custody for questioning, but no charges have been filed at this time.
Investigators are working to determine what led to the altercation and how it escalated to gunfire.
Woody’s father believes his son was attempting to flee when he was shot. His family described him as an avid gamer and shared cherished photos from his fifth-grade graduation in 2023.
As they prepare for his funeral, the family has launched a fundraiser to assist with burial expenses.
Those wishing to contribute can do so via their GoFundMe campaign.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact DeKalb police or submit an anonymous tip through the free Tip411 app by texting “DKPD” to 847411, followed by the tip.
Crime
Wilhelmina Leigh Carlton charged with the murder in stabbing of her boyfriend Darius Montreal Boglin
A 43-year-old woman from Bessemer has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend earlier this month, according to authorities.
Court records show Wilhelmina Leigh Carlton, 43, is charged with the murder of Darius Montreal Boglin, 45.
Carlton was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on March 5 and is currently being held without bond.
Officers with the Bessemer Police Department were dispatched at approximately 7:49 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, to the 3100 block of Avenue B following reports of a stabbing.
According to Detective Justin Burmeister, responding officers arrived at the scene and discovered Boglin suffering from a stab wound in a driveway.
Emergency responders attempted to assess his condition, but he was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 8:10 p.m.
Authorities said Carlton was still present at the location when officers arrived and was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators confirmed that Carlton and Boglin were involved in a dating relationship.
Charging documents allege that the fatal incident occurred during an altercation when Boglin allegedly grabbed Carlton from behind, at which point she stabbed him, resulting in his death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the Bessemer Police Department at 205-425-2411 or 205-481-4366. Tips can also be submitted through the department’s tip line at 205-428-3541, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.