Second suspect arrested in shooting death of Athens 3-year-old; two suspects still sought

Wayne Ford, Athens Banner-Herald
·2 min read
Kyron Zarco-Smith was killed when police say gang members shot at his home.
Kyron Zarco-Smith was killed when police say gang members shot at his home.

A second suspect was arrested Wednesday in the slaying of 3-year-old Kyron Zarco-Smith at his home in Athens, but two more suspects are the focus of a wide-ranging manhunt by police.

Police announced the arrest of Jayden Brown, 16, of Athens, on charges that include murder, aggravated assault and violating the state’s gang law.

But law enforcement is still seeking the whereabouts of Dakious Echols, 18, and Desmontrez Mathis, 22, both of Athens. Arrested and charged within hours of the shooting on March 8 was Julian Cubillos, 17, of Lawrenceville.

Previously: Task Force joins search for 2 suspects in killing of Athens 3-year-old

All four are alleged to be members of a street gang, but police have not publicly identified the gang. Several gangs are known to operate in Athens and the police department has a gang unit that monitors such groups.

Kyron was shot while sitting on a sofa beside his 9-year-old brother by bullets fired from outside the home, according to Athens-Clarke police. The shooting occurred at Hallmark Mobile Home Park off Spring Valley Road.

Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams released a statement Thursday that deputies received information from concerned citizens whose information led to the arrest of Brown on Wednesday.

Dakious Echols is sought in a murder case.
Dakious Echols is sought in a murder case.

A team of deputies led by Lt. Jonathan McElroy went to a home on the westside of Athens and located the suspect, who was arrested without incident, according to Williams.

“We thank the concerned citizens who helped us locate this individual and make the arrest without anyone else being hurt,” Williams said.

Due to his age, Brown was processed then transported to a detention center selected by the state Department of Juvenile Justice.

Desmontrez Mathis is sought in a murder case in Athens.
Desmontrez Mathis is sought in a murder case in Athens.

Cubillos was arrested soon after the shooting because police developed information on a white Jeep leaving the scene of the shooting. A Jackson County sheriff’s deputy spotted the Jeep on U.S. Highway 129 and arrested Culbillos after it stopped at a store in Arcade, according to the report.

Investigators said during the shooting that a bullet pierced the child in the chest and a bullet grazed the leg of his brother. When medics arrived, they pronounced the child dead.

Police are still seeking information from the public as to the whereabouts of Echols and Mathis. Anyone with information can contact Det. Paul Johnson at 762-400-7060. Also, crime Stoppers is offering an award of up to $2,000 leading to the capture. People who want to leave an anonymous tip can call 706-705-4775.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Second suspect arrested in shooting death of Athens 3-year-old