DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A mother is in jail, accused of playing a role in the murder of her 5-year-old.
Lanecia Bennett, 25, faces charges of 2nd degree murder and cruelty to children.
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The DeKalb County Police Department arrested her on Wednesday after finding her son shot inside an apartment on Pleasant Point Drive.
Police said they do not believe she shot her son. That part of the investigation is ongoing.
However, they believe she played a role in his death.
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“That’s gut-wrenching,” neighbor Michael Mims said.
Mims is also waiting to find out what led up to the child’s death in an effort to find out if it could have been prevented.
“To hear a 5-year-old getting shot, or anything happening to that child, is, honestly, disheartening and unfortunate,” Mims said.
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Police are still working to confirm who shot the child, but said they do not believe the public is in any danger at this time.
Officers are not releasing the name of the child killed.
A spokesperson for the department said they expect to be able to provide more clarity after getting an update from investigators on Wednesday morning.
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