Authorities in Georgia reported that three 18-year-old suspects were detained in connection with the death of a teenage girl, whom they believe was shot to death in her bedroom.
According to a news release from the Peachtree City Police Department, Justus Smith, Jacobean Brown, and Yeshua Mathis, all of Fayetteville, have been charged with murder in connection with the death of 15-year-old Madison Gesswein.
Gesswein, a student at Whitewater High School, was discovered dead by her mother on February 21 at around 6 a.m. in their residence in The Greens at Braelinn, according to authorities. Although the medical examiner has not yet determined the cause of death, investigators said that a head injury is compatible with a gunshot wound.
According to 11Alive, who obtained the conversation, Gesswein’s mother called 911 as soon as she discovered her daughter “bleeding from the head” while lying on her bed. She also mentioned to the dispatcher that the blinds were “a mess” and that the windows were open.
Police said the three suspects knew the victim, though the exact reason for the homicide is yet unknown.
During a press conference, Peachtree City Police Assistant Chief Matt Myers stated, “This was not a random act.” They were aware whose residence they were in, and their being there was somehow connected to the disputes between these people.
Although he claimed it was still unclear how the suspects entered the house, he added that detectives were analyzing data from the girl’s bedroom window.
Gesswein’s companion expressed her disbelief at the information to Fox 5 Atlanta.
Jada Zimbabwe remarked, “She was so young. “She did nothing to anyone,” someone said.
According to the release, one suspect was apprehended the same day by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office after reportedly escaping a residence, while another was discovered and arrested at the same residence. The following day, the third suspect was captured in Fayetteville.
The Fayette County Prison houses the three men. It is unknown if they have entered pleas or appointed lawyers to represent them.