BROOKHAVEN — Lincoln County Coroner Blake Wallace identified the juvenile victim of Sunday’s fatal shooting Tuesday morning. The family has been notified.

Wallace said the victim was Cordae Peyton, 17, of Brookhaven. A GoFundMe has been set up for Peyton’s family to cover the funeral costs with a goal of $5,000.

Police Chief Kenny Collins announced in a press release that a vehicle owner shot and killed the individual Sunday afternoon. The incident is actively under investigation. The victim was suspected by the vehicle owner to have been involved in a burglary.

Collins said officers responded to a report of shots fired at approximately 1:30 p.m. at Speedy Wash on Industrial Park Road in Brookhaven Sunday. Investigators discovered a vehicle had been burglarized and that during the incident the vehicle owner shot and killed one of the individuals believed at the time to be involved in the burglary.

Brookhaven Police Department is currently working to collect all of the relevant facts, interview witnesses and analyze evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding the event.

“We understand that this incident is concerning to the community and we are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation. We will release additional information as it becomes available and appropriate,” Collins said. “We ask for patience and understanding as we continue to investigate this matter. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Brookhaven Police Department.”

Local business reacts

A business reacted to a fatal shooting Sunday afternoon by publishing a statement online Monday. The shooting occurred outside of the Speedy Wash business on Industrial Park Road NE. 

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all the parties involved in the unfortunate incident that happened yesterday,” Speedy Wash stated in an announcement. “This incident could have happened anywhere in Brookhaven and has no reflection on our business, our facility or customers. We have and will continue to keep a safe and secure environment for our customers and the community by any means necessary.”

Speedy Wash further stated their facility is monitored by surveillance cameras equipped with audio and video capabilities. The cameras are monitored throughout the day. 

“Please be patient with our local officials and police department as they continue this investigation,” the business stated. “The most important thing is to continue to pray for the families of all parties, Brookhaven and the law enforcement officers as they work diligently to make Brookhaven, ‘The Home Seekers Paradise,’ a safe town once again.”

This is a developing story, we will provide more updates as new information becomes available.