AJC ON THE SCENE ROCKDALE COUNTY

Three teenagers in masks were shot and killed by a Rockdale County homeowner Monday morning, authorities said.

Investigators determined that the juveniles, ages 15, 16 and 16, were involved in an exchange of gunfire with the White Oak Court homeowner shortly after 4 a.m., Rockdale sheriff’s office spokesman Deputy Lee Thomas said in an emailed statement Monday afternoon.

All three juveniles were from Conyers, Thomas said. Channel 2 Action News said two of them were brothers.

Deputies were called to the single-story home to investigate a report of shots fired. They found three “young men” down on the ground outside, Sheriff Eric Levett said at the scene.

“Upon our arrival, the deceased was at the edge of a driveway and partially in the roadway,” he said.

“The other young man was a little bit down the street, where it appears he was running.”

Deputies administered first aid to him and the third teen. Both later died after being taken to a hospital, according to the sheriff’s office.

The juveniles allegedly approached the residence and attempted to rob three people in the front yard, Thomas said.

One of the attempted robbery suspects brandished a gun and fired at the residents before the homeowner returned fire, according to the statement.

Levett said the homeowner, who has not been identified, is in his late 40s to early 50s. Channel 2 reported he is a truck driver.

Carlos Watson, who lives next door, said more than 10 emergency vehicles responded quickly to his otherwise quiet cul-de-sac after the shooting.

He thought he was dreaming when he first heard a series of about five gunshots.

The second round got him out of bed.

“I heard somebody yell for help ... then I heard it again, and that’s when I came outside,” Watson said. “There was one gentleman laid out and our neighbor Mr. Jenkins was helping him out.”

Brian Jenkins, a candidate for Rockdale County Commission chair, said he waited until deputies arrived before he went to check on the man lying in his yard, screaming for help.

He appeared to be shot near his shoulder and was wearing a mask around his neck, he said.

Investigators are still trying to determine who owned two different types of guns recovered from the scene.