A 14-year-old boy described by family members as being like a nephew to 21 Savage died by suicide on Wednesday (July 22) after accidentally shooting his younger sister in the neck at their home in Stockbridge, Georgia, according to relatives and local reports.
Seven Shirley was pronounced dead at the scene on Lakeview Place following the incident, which occurred around 3:24 p.m. His 12-year-old sister, Lyric, was shot in the neck and remains hospitalized after undergoing three surgeries on her neck and vocal cords. Family members said they are still unsure when she will be able to come home.
Seven’s grandmother, Sharon Smith — who raised him since he was 11 months old — spoke with Atlanta’s 11Alive about the heartbreaking sequence of events. “Just that fast that boy had made the decision to kill himself,” she said. Smith explained that she believes her grandson was overcome with guilt and fear of the consequences. “He couldn’t take it.”
According to the family, Seven had purchased a handgun on the street for $200 after his best friend was shot the week prior. Smith said the family does not know who sold him the weapon and is calling for accountability. “Something needs to be done with the person who sold that gun because if he would have never bought that gun, this would have never happened,” she told the outlet.
The loss comes just weeks after another tragedy for the Shirley family. Seven’s 13-year-old cousin, DeMarcus Shirley, was killed in a drive-by shooting in DeKalb County earlier this month.
In a statement shared with 11Alive, the family asked for privacy as they prepare for Seven’s services and continue to support Lyric’s recovery. “Please continue to keep my niece, Lyric, in your prayers. She is fighting for her life, and we are believing God for her healing, strength, and complete recovery,” the statement read. They also urged the community to help get illegal guns off the streets, writing that “far too many young lives are being taken by senseless gun violence.”
21 Savage, who family members said was close to Seven, posted a related photo to his Instagram. Stockbridge police confirmed the double shooting but have released limited additional details while the investigation continues.
