Two teenage brothers from Georgia appeared in court for the first time on Thursday after being charged as adults in connection with a January shooting that left a fellow teenager injured at a birthday party. The brothers Dwayne Tolbert, 14, and Major Tolbert, 13, face multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, reckless conduct, and illegal possession of a firearm.
Both were arrested earlier this week and made their initial court appearance via video before Clayton County Magistrate Judge Latrevia Kates-Johnson. Judge Kates-Johnson used the opportunity to deliver a stern and emotional reprimand to the boys, condemning their alleged actions as “senseless.”
“It’s senseless, and y’all could have killed somebody, literally killed somebody, murdered somebody shooting like that,” the judge said, visibly frustrated. “This is no joke, when you’re out here shooting guns!”
The shooting allegedly occurred at a birthday party in January. According to WSB-TV, which was present in the courtroom, the Tolbert brothers were initially invited to the gathering but were later asked to leave. A fight reportedly broke out, and authorities say one or both of the brothers pulled out a firearm and opened fire. One teenager was shot in the leg.
Investigators said the suspects later posted video of the shooting on Instagram and appeared to brag about their involvement. During Thursday’s hearing, Dwayne Tolbert tried to explain to the judge that it had been their cousin’s party. However, Kate-Johnson quickly cut him off to prevent the teen from potentially incriminating himself.
“I just don’t know what to say,” the judge said at one point, pausing as she addressed the boys. “It’s heartbreaking to see y’all young people where you are, and I’m seeing it every single day.” She added, “Maybe y’all could be a voice for other juveniles.”
Judge Kates-Johnson ultimately denied bond for both teens, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and the emotional toll the incident has taken. “I know your parents are devastated,” she told them. “She has two sons locked up.”
As the case moves forward, the community continues to grapple with the disturbing reality of gun violence among youth. The Tolbert brothers remain in custody as they await the next phase of legal proceedings.