Background: Dwayne Tolbert (left) and Major Tolbert (right) at their court appearance on June 11 (WSB). Inset: Clayton County Magistrate Court Judge Latrevia Kates-Johnson (WSB).
Two Georgia teenage brothers were read the riot act during their first court appearance after they were accused of shooting at other teenagers at a party.
Local ABC affiliate WSB was in the courtroom when Clayton County Magistrate Court Judge Latrevia Kates-Johnson admonished two teenage brothers who are being charged as adults in connection to a shooting that took place in January. Dwayne Tolbert, 14, and Major Tolbert, 13, were arrested on Tuesday and charged with several felonies including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, reckless conduct, and possession of a firearm.
During a video appearance on Thursday, Kates-Johnson called their alleged crime “senseless,” and told the brothers, “I just don’t know what to say.”
The Tolbert brothers allegedly shot at other teenagers at a birthday party in January, reportedly because they were invited to the party and later kicked out, according to WSB. A fight reportedly broke out, and one or both of the boys allegedly opened fire. One unnamed minor was allegedly shot in the leg.
The teens later allegedly posted video of the shooting to Instagram bragging about it.
Dwayne Tolbert attempted to explain to the judge that it was their cousin’s party, but Kates-Johnson stopped him before allowing him to possibly incriminate himself.
Kates-Johnson told the boys, “It’s senseless, and y’all could have killed somebody, literally killed somebody, murdered somebody shooting like that.”
She also told them, “This is no joke, when you’re out here shooting guns!”
Before wrapping up their first appearance, Kates-Johnson said, “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.”
Kates-Johnson denied bond for both boys, telling them, “I know your parents are devastated. She has two sons locked up.”
