PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. – The community in Paulding County prepares to remember the life of an 11-year-old boy tragically killed in a shooting at his home in April. Zander Whatley’s family plans to honor him with a balloon release on what would have been his 12th birthday, ahead of his funeral.
The family will gather at Rockmart High School for the balloon release, following the start of the public viewing at the school’s gymnasium. The celebration of Zander Whatley’s life will take place the next day, Saturday, at 2 p.m. in the gymnasium.
The night of the shooting, Shareeda Alexander Dorsey, along with her husband and nine of their 13 children, were at home in the Smallwood Farms subdivision when shots rang out. Whatley was tragically hit by a bullet that came through the wall as he tried to reach safety upstairs. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he could not survive his injuries.
The family suspects that the shooter may have had a connection to one of Whatley’s older siblings, as they believe the motive behind the shooting was related to a friendship dispute. Whatley’s stepfather, William Dorsey, described him as a happy and musical fifth-grader who genuinely loved attending school.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, allowing them to anonymously share details through the tip line provided by the Paulding Sheriff’s Office or through their mobile app. The investigation into Zander Whatley’s tragic death continues, with the hope of bringing justice for the family and the community as they mourn the loss of a beloved young boy.