By Joe Johnson
Authorities continue searching for two members of a street gang who are responsible for the shooting death of an Athens child last month.
Desmontrez Mathis, 22, and Dakious Echols, 18, are members of the Red Tape Gang who police say participated in a drive-by shooting that had targeted a rival gang member but instead killed 3-year-old Kyron Zarco-Smith, who was struck in the chest by a bullet that missed its intended mark.
Two other members of their gang were arrested soon after the March 8 shooting at Hallmark Estates Mobile Home Park. It is believed that all four gangsters fired guns.
The toddler at the time was inside his home watching television with his 9-year-old brother, who was also struck by a bullet but not seriously injured.
The gang members who have already been arrested are Jayden Brown, 16, and Julian Omar Cubillos, 17, both charged with malice murder, felony murder, three counts of aggravated assault, and violating the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
Echols and Mathis are charged with the same crimes in arrest warrants that will be served upon them being taken into custody.
They are being sought by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, with the assistance of agents from the FBI and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
"We are utilizing every resource available," ACCPD Lt. Jody Thompson said. “We are currently working leads to locate and apprehend the two subjects.”
Investigators are also hoping that someone might
drop a dime on the fugitives, to claim the $2,000’in reward money that’s being offered.
Anonymous tips can be made by calling the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 706-705-4775.