Police: Father shot by son in DeKalb County dies
A father is dead after being shot by his son in DeKalb County on Monday, according to police.
The shooting happened in the 7400 block of Union Grove Road in Lithonia.
“I just heard gunshots and then I seen police cars and fire trucks and ambulance,” said resident, Jimmy Carter.
Police said the father, 64-year-old Philip Young, was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital where he later died.
Investigators said Philip and his wife came to visit their 31-year-old son, Joshua Young, Monday. Detectives said Joshua stabbed his father in the neck and shot him at least once in the head. Police said when they arrived, Joshua was still at the scene.
“Upon their arrival they saw a subject standing in the driveway acting very suspicious and weird, they gave him several commands, said Lt. Rod Bryant with the DeKalb County Police Homicide Unit. “They took him into custody after a brief struggle.”
It’s unclear what led to the shooting, but police said Joshua, is “mentally challenged.”
Joshua’s mother told FOX 5’s Nathalie Pozo that she and her husband had come to visit their son Monday to try and get him some help. The mother did not wish to comment further, but did say that she hopes this tragedy brings to light the need for more mental health resources.
No further details were immediately available.
