by Griffin, Georgia — A Georgia man convicted of killing a 14-year-old boy outside a high school football game has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, more than two years after the fatal shooting that shocked the Griffin community.
Kaomarion Kendrick, who was 17 years old at the time of the crime, was found guilty last week of felony murder and multiple racketeering-related charges stemming from the September 2023 shooting death of Emmanuel Dorsey, according to local court records.
Shooting followed rivalry football game
The deadly incident occurred outside Griffin Memorial Stadium following a rivalry football game between Griffin High School and Spalding High School.
Authorities said a large crowd was leaving the stadium when a fight broke out between two opposing groups, creating chaos near the venue.
Investigators said the confrontation escalated quickly as people attempted to flee the scene
During the disturbance, Kendrick allegedly produced a firearm, prompting bystanders to scatter.
Teen victim struck while fleeing
Police said Emmanuel Dorsey, a 14-year-old Griffin High School student, was struck by gunfire as he tried to escape the area. He sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the neck and face.
Although both Kendrick and Dorsey attended the same high school, investigators said neither teen was a confirmed gang member. However, authorities noted that the groups involved in the altercation had known gang associations, which contributed to heightened tensions.
Emergency responders were unable to save Dorsey, and the incident was later ruled a homicide.
Suspect arrested after days-long search
Following the shooting, Kendrick fled the area and remained at large for eight days.
He was eventually located and arrested in Henry County, where authorities found him sitting in a vehicle parked at a private residence.
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At the time of his arrest, police said Kendrick was in possession of a Glock handgun equipped with an illegal auto-sear device, commonly known as a switch, which allows a semi-automatic firearm to fire continuously.
The arrest was carried out by local law enforcement with assistance from regional agencies.
Conviction and sentencing
Last week, a jury found Kendrick guilty of felony murder and three counts under Georgia’s racketeering statute, prosecutors confirmed.
During sentencing, the court imposed:
- Life in prison without the possibility of parole
- An additional 85 years, to be served consecutively
The sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the danger posed to the public, prosecutors said in court.
Prosecutors cite community safety
Acting District Attorney David Studdard said the conviction and sentence were intended to provide accountability and protect the community.
“Our office will continue to pursue violent crimes aggressively and hold offenders accountable,” Studdard said following the verdict
Victim’s mother responds to verdict
Dorsey’s mother, Charlotte Williams, said the sentencing brought a sense of closure, even as the loss of her son remains overwhelming.
She described the outcome as fair, saying it was necessary to keep dangerous individuals off the streets
Williams also expressed sympathy for Kendrick, acknowledging his young age and the irreversible consequences of his actions.
“He made a decision that changed his life forever,” she said, while emphasizing that accountability was still necessary
Case highlights youth violence concerns
The case has renewed conversations across Georgia about youth violence, firearms access, and safety at school-related events, particularly high-attendance sporting games.
Law enforcement officials stressed the importance of early intervention, supervision, and community cooperation to prevent similar incidents.
As the community continues to mourn Emmanuel Dorsey, his family says they remain focused on honoring his memory and holding on to the moments they shared with him.
What steps do you think communities should take to improve safety around school sporting events? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
