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2 Austell brothers arrested for murder of teenager

A Smyrna teenager is dead and two Austell brothers are in jail charged with murder. Smyrna police rushed to Wexford Hills Parkway off King Springs Road early Friday morning. Investigators say at least four young men, between the ages of 18 and 22, had planned to meet for a drug deal.

“Some young adults were trying to buy marijuana and something apparently went terribly wrong,” said Major Louis Defense of the Smyrna Police Department.

According to court documents, Chamori Callender and Omar Jackson attempted to buy about $50 worth of marijuana. The documents state that a car pulled up in the townhome development next to an apartment complex and two men jumped out wearing masks and carrying a rifle. The warrant states that Callender and Jackson ran and jumped the fence toward the apartment complex; then they were shot at. Callender was struck by a bullet and killed.

Following a fatal shooting on July 5, 2024, a temporary memorial to Chamori Callender was erected on Wexford Hills Parkway at King Springs Road in Smyrna. (FOX 5)

Forensic technology helps arrest Smyrna shooting suspects

Investigators went to work and said they were able to use technology to identify two suspects within hours of the shooting.

“We utilized cell phone technology and our FUSUS Crime Center to narrow our investigation. This allowed us to quickly determine who we believed was involved in the incident and subsequently obtain arrest warrants,” said Maj. Defense.

Kyle Bute, 18, and his brother, Chris Bute, 22, were booked into the Cobb County Jail. Both men were charged with murder and two counts of aggravated assault.

Kyle Bute and Chris Bute were each charged with one count of murder and two counts of aggravated assault.

Kyle Bute and Chris Bute were each charged with one count of murder and two counts of aggravated assault. (FOX 5)

“Knowing that there was actual shooting and a gun was fired is obviously disturbing,” said Ashley Mack, who lives in the apartment complex.

Residents of the complex were stunned to learn that a young man, not yet 20 years old, was killed near the entrance to their condominium.

“Especially when it comes to something like buying marijuana, it’s very unfortunate,” Mack said.

Police said an investigation was ongoing to determine if anyone else was involved.