PAULDING COUNTY, GA – Four suspects are facing murder charges after an 18-year-old recent Hiram High School graduate was shot and killed during an alleged drug deal on Wednesday.
The Fatal Shooting
According to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Sir Ethan-Dupree Jones was fatally shot while attempting to purchase a marijuana vape. Deputies who responded to the scene confirmed that Jones died from his injuries before emergency medical personnel could transport him.
Four Suspects Charged As Adults
On Thursday, authorities announced the swift arrest of four individuals in connection with the killing. The suspects have been identified as:
- Monsour Darwish, 17
- Muhamad Rabeea Darwish, 19
- Mohammad Basem Khatib, 20
- A 15-year-old juvenile who is being formally charged as an adult.
All four suspects face a string of severe charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, tampering with evidence, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Grieving Family Honors Victim
Jones was a proud member of Hiram High School’s Class of 2026 and was actively preparing to begin a career in welding.
In a statement released through the family, loved ones remembered him as a “phenomenal big brother” and a talented cook who was deeply loved by his community.
The family expressed gratitude to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office for their rapid investigation and urged the community to consider the devastating impact of gun violence.
The investigation into the incident remains active and ongoing.
