DeKalb County woman detained in fatal hit-and-run of 10-year-old Rockdale boy

Story Updated March 25: The Rockdale Sheriff’s Office released the name and mugshot of the suspect, Lakeya Shumate, 27, late March 24.

A 27-year-old DeKalb County woman has been detained in the hit-an-run fatality of a 10-year-old boy Rockdale County boy, Sheriff Eric Levett announced today (March 24). The woman, whose identity has not yet been, is facing charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident, Levett said. She is being held in the Rockdale County Jail. The incident happened on Monday, March 22, around 8:30 p.m., the sheriff said.

The 10-year-old victim and a 12-year-old friend had ridden their bicycles to a convenience store and were headed home when the hit-and-run occurred. The older boy was not injured but was able to provide authorities with a good description of the vehicle the suspect was driving. The 12-year-old said the person who hit his friend was driving a car that resembled his grandfather’s vehicle—a silver Toyota Camry, authorities.  That description, along with footage obtained from Flock safety cameras in the area helped investigators to locate the suspect, the sheriff said. Authorities said the victim’s family did not want the boy’s name released.

The victim was struck from behind while riding his bicycle in the westbound lane of Ebenezer Road near Cherry Hill Lane, authorities said. The boy died at the scene.

Levett said the suspect has not admitted involved in the hit-and-run. However, damages to the car are consistent with evidence found at the scene. Levett said he and investigators are confident that the suspect was the driver and the vehicle she was in is the one that struck the boy.

On Tuesday, the day after the incident, the suspect was driving the same route to work when a deputy spotted the car matching the description authorities were looking for in the hit-and-run. The woman was arrested at a traffic stop, Levett said.

“She has lawyered up,” he said during today’s news conference.

“I would like to hear why she left… I think she owes the family an explanation and we would love to hear that explanation,” Levett said during today’s news conference. There is no excuse that I can think of that anybody striking anybody and leaving the scene.”