15-year-old shot dead at apartment complex was about to start high school, family says

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A 15-year-old shot and killed at a DeKalb County apartment complex should be getting ready to start high school. His family was devastated to find out someone murdered him Tuesday evening.

They identified him as Romello Jazz Heard. His distraught family shared photos of him.

DeKalb County police are searching for the person who shot and killed the 15-year-old.

It happened steps away from an apartment complex leasing office Tuesday evening at the Woods at Peppertree Apartment Complex. Officers were called out to the 3300 block of Peppertree Circle after receiving a 911 call about a person being shot.

"I was walking up to QuikTrip and I heard one shot and as soon as I reached the entrance of the building I saw one body on the ground," one woman said. 

Romello Jazz Heard, 15, shot and killed in DeKalb County. Family says he was about the start high school.

This woman didn’t want to be identified, but said she heard the distinct sound of a gunshot at the complex located off of Columbia Drive.

She believes whoever shot the teen did so from behind without the teen even realizing what happened.

"He was fighting for his life in that last minute and by the police showed up it was done for him," the witness said. 

Romello Jazz Heard, 15, shot and killed in DeKalb County. Family says he was about the start high school. (Provided by family)

Loved ones said the boy was about to begin classes Stone Mountain High School in a few weeks and was an A & B student.

"I didn’t see anyone peel off from the incident. I did notice a car," the witness said.

No information about a possible shooter has been released.