A planned courtyard brawl over a female ended in tragedy when a 24-year-old man allegedly pulled out a gun and fatally shot a fleeing 12-year-old boy in the head, Tennessee authorities say.
Background
Devin Orr faces a charge of criminal homicide in the death of Damarion Morehead, who was killed during what began as an organized fight in a Nashville courtyard. According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, six or seven people—including Orr and Damarion—met up specifically to brawl. The altercation stemmed from a dispute 'over a female,' police said.
Investigators say surveillance footage and witness accounts show that Damarion and others were repeatedly punching and kicking Orr while he was on the ground. At one point, Orr had his head kicked into the pavement during the assault, according to police documents obtained by WSMV.
"Twenty-four, why would you be around these kids?" Damarion's great-grandmother Nancy Givans asked in an interview with WZTV. "Why did he bring a gun?"
The Investigation
Police say Orr eventually got back to his feet and pulled out a firearm, causing Damarion and the others to scatter and run away. Authorities allege that as the boy fled, Orr fired two shots—one of which struck Damarion in the head. The child collapsed to the ground from the gunshot wound.
Paramedics rushed Damarion to a hospital where he later died from his injuries. He was a middle school student who loved playing football, according to family members.
"I had a conversation, he told me he loved me and … he respected me because I took care of him," Givans said. "I am grateful that he did love me."
Officers arrested Orr on Monday morning at the scene and transported him to the Davidson County Jail, where he remains held without bond. During an interview with detectives, Orr allegedly admitted to discarding the firearm inside a sewer on Charlotte Pike after the shooting.
"He's facing criminal homicide charges—that's our charge," a police spokesperson confirmed.
Key Takeaways
- Devin Orr, 24, has been charged with criminal homicide in the death of Damarion Morehead, 12
- The killing allegedly occurred during a planned courtyard brawl involving six or seven people
- Police say Orr was being beaten on the ground before he pulled out a gun and shot the fleeing boy
- Orr allegedly admitted to ditching the weapon inside a sewer on Charlotte Pike
- Damarion was a middle school student who loved playing football, according to his great-grandmother
What's Next
Orr is scheduled to appear in Davidson County court for an initial hearing. The case remains under investigation by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department homicide unit. Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and gather additional evidence, including the discarded firearm. Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will seek additional charges against any other participants in the brawl.
Damarion's family says they are shattered and searching for answers as they grieve their loss.