Barrow County teen charged with murdering girlfriend

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A 16-year-old has been arrested, accused of killing his girlfriend at his home and then staying by her lifeless body for hours, according to investigators. Deputies said the teen killed the young girl as early as late Wednesday, but authorities were not called out to the home until Thursday afternoon.

"Family friend showed up, appeared said that the juvenile was acting strange, realized there was a body, he called the mother said, 'You got to get home. Something gone wrong,'" said Sheriff Jud Smith.

Barrow County Sheriff's deputies were called to Midland Avenue. Responding investigators found a juvenile girl dead in one of the bedrooms.

"We believe a knife was used, but it's hard to determine. The initial statement was it was a gunshot wound and we have confirmed it was not a gunshot wound," said Sheriff Smith.

Investigators received word that the murder suspect had left on foot shortly before they arrived, so they began searching for him. Less than an hour later, the suspect, also a juvenile, was arrested.

"It's tragic, you know, anytime anybody loses their life at any age, but it's tragic when it's juveniles," the sheriff said.

The suspect is being held at the regional youth detention center in Barrow County.

Authorities haven't released the names of the suspect or the victim.

Neighbors said when they came home from work Thursday afternoon there were dozens of deputies in the community and police tape surrounding the home.

"I saw all these police officers around here, I couldn't get home so I had to go around," said neighbor Kevin Mendez.

Investigators released very few details and neighbors had a lot of questions, but they did assure residents they were in no danger.

"They told us not to worry because one man is in jail," said Mendez.

Neighbors said the family who lives in the home have lived there less than a year. They said several children lived in the home.

SEE ALSO: Community leaders call to end youth violence in DeKalb County