Community remembers 16-year-old after deadly police shooting in Stockbridge

Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Friends, family and community members gathered at a Henry County vigil to remember 16-year-old Tyrie Howse, who was shot and killed by a police officer in Stockbridge. Those who knew Howse said they are still waiting for answers about why the encounter turned deadly. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, an officer approached Howse and a 17-year-old friend and told the older teen to take his hands out of his pockets. The 17-year-old then pulled out a gun and handed it to Howse, the GBI said. Howse ran, and the officer ordered him to drop the weapon, investigators said. The GBI said Howse did not drop the gun, and the officer fired, killing him. Quinn Barnes, a close friend of Howse’s mother, said she never imagined something like this could happen to him. “When I heard what happened I instantly started crying because I know that kid. He’s a great kid. He’s a great kid,” Barnes said. Barnes said the family wants to understand why the officer approached the teenagers and why the officer shot Howse. She questioned whether Howse posed a threat to the officer. “You’re supposed to protect us but instead it’s like our boys are scared of you guys. He probably ran because he was scared. They’re scared of you all and you’re supposed to protect us,” Barnes said. Dozens of Howse’s classmates and friends attended the vigil. They said they wanted to show up for him, just as he always showed up for them. Jaden Swain said Howse regularly checked on him. “He always made sure I was good. Like anytime he came up to me. He would say what’s up. He always asked me if I was OK. Not many do that so that meant something to me. It showed that he really cared about me,” Swain said. Friends described Howse as a determined student with big plans for his future. They said they do not want his life defined by the way it ended. “I don’t want people to remember my friend as a kid who was killed by a cop,” said Elaun Clark, a friend of Howse. Clark said Howse loved football and wanted to work in the medical field. Howse’s loved ones said they want accountability as the investigation continues. Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.