Damonta Sears dies in fatal Gwinnett County shooting

Damonta Sears dies in fatal Gwinnett County shooting
Fatal Gwinnett County shooting death of Damonta Sears – Obituary

A teenager has died following a deadly exchange of gunfire in a Lawrenceville-area neighborhood, and multiple suspects are now facing serious criminal charges. Police said the victim, 17-year-old Damonta Sears, was fatally shot Monday during a confrontation on Barrett Bluff Drive in unincorporated Gwinnett County.

Gwinnett County officers responded to reports of a shooting and found Sears suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Investigators soon located a vehicle believed to be connected to the incident, occupied by 21-year-old Aldair Hernandez-Moreno and 17-year-old Luis Hernandez-Moreno. Police said Luis Hernandez-Moreno had been shot several times and was transported to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

According to detectives, Sears arrived at the scene with 17-year-old Olvy Calvo-Martinez and 16-year-old Zaire Craig after arranging a drug deal that authorities say was intended to turn into a robbery. Police said gunfire broke out between the two groups during the encounter, resulting in Sears and Luis Hernandez-Moreno being shot.

Calvo-Martinez and Craig were arrested and charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and multiple gang-related offenses. Calvo-Martinez also faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence.

Luis Hernandez-Moreno and Aldair Hernandez-Moreno were also taken into custody. They are charged with felony murder, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.