Police Chief update: Teenage shooting suspect in hiding

Published 11:17 am Thursday, June 27, 2024

BROOKHAVEN — Brookhaven Police Chief Kenny Collins said a 14-year-old suspected of shooting and killing a 23-year-old man Saturday is yet to be in custody. The deadly shooting occurred near apartments at 209 Pennington Street.

Lincoln County Coroner Blake Wallace identified the victim as William Young. Wallace told The Daily Leader Saturday night it is believed an altercation led to the shooting. Collins added the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds in an interview Sunday. 

The identity of the 14-year-old suspect has not been released yet by Brookhaven Police Department. Collins said Thursday morning they are still working to bring him in. 

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“We are working with the mother. The family is trying and he is hiding from him. He is hiding,” Collins said. “We are still looking for him and gathering evidence. We are working to investigate the case too and when we get ready to get him we will.” 

Collins added the suspect could be between Brookhaven and Texas but the police department would work with the appropriate authorities when the time comes. At this time, there is no ultimatum. 

Police officers are working to collect statements from witnesses and processing evidence. Collins said there are a lot of moving parts to the case. 

“We are just dealing with so much. It never stops,” Collins said. “When we get ready to go after him we will. We are working with family members to get him in. These investigations don’t happen overnight.”

Since Jan. 1, 2024, Brookhaven has had five shootings.