Seven Shirley, 14, took his own life after accidentally shooting his sister Lyric, 12, in Stockbridge, Georgia
Category: Health
In a heartbreaking incident that has left a community mourning, 14-year-old Seven Shirley, described as a nephew of rapper 21 Savage, died by suicide on July 22 after accidentally shooting his 12-year-old sister, Lyric, in the neck. The tragedy unfolded at their home in Stockbridge, Georgia, southeast of Atlanta, where police found both children with gunshot wounds.
Seven was pronounced dead at the scene, and Lyric was rushed to the hospital, where she has undergone multiple surgeries on her neck and vocal cords. As of now, there is no clear timeline for when she will return home.
According to family sources, Seven allegedly purchased the gun on the street for $200, reportedly following the recent shooting of his best friend. This tragic turn of events has raised serious questions about how a 14-year-old could access a firearm.
“We don’t know. We don’t know,” said Seven’s grandmother, Sharon Smith, who has raised him since he was 11 months old. She expressed her hope that the person who sold the gun would be brought to justice, stating, “Something needs to be done about that person who sold that gun because if he would have never bought that gun, this would have never happened.”
Sharon Smith described the moment her grandson made the irreversible decision to take his own life. “Just that fast that boy had made the decision to kill himself,” she shared. “He probably sat up there and thought, ‘I’m finna go to jail, they’re going to ridicule me, everybody is going to be doing this and that and this, and this and that,’ and he couldn’t take it.”
The family is grappling with compounded grief, as just weeks before Seven’s death, his 13-year-old cousin, DeMarcus Shirley, was killed in a drive-by shooting in DeKalb County. This series of tragedies has left the family devastated, and they are calling for community action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In a heartfelt statement, the family urged the community to take steps to reduce gun violence, particularly concerning minors. “Please help us get these guns off our streets. Far too many young lives are being taken by senseless gun violence. We must work together to stop the illegal sale and access of firearms to minors and do everything we can to protect our children,” the statement read.
21 Savage, who has been identified as an uncle to Seven, publicly mourned his nephew on Instagram. He shared a childhood photo of Seven with the caption, “Rememeber when you was a baby,” accompanied by broken heart emojis. The rapper's grief reflects a broader concern within the community about the impact of gun violence on families.
As the family prepares for Seven’s memorial, they have requested privacy during this incredibly difficult time. They also asked for prayers for Lyric’s recovery, emphasizing the need for community support as they navigate their loss. “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 family stated.
This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for discussions around gun control and the accessibility of firearms to minors. With the family’s plea echoing in the community, it is clear that action is needed to prevent such heartbreak from occurring again.
As the investigation continues, many are left questioning how a child could obtain a weapon so easily and what can be done to prevent future tragedies. The Shirley family's experience serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of gun violence and the importance of protecting young lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or in crisis, support is available. You can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for immediate assistance.