The quiet community of Summerville, Georgia, was shattered on a bright Friday afternoon when a violent encounter left a young man dead and a suspect in custody. On June 12, 2025, at around 12:36 p.m., the Summerville Police Department received a distressing call about a gunshot wound on Oak Street, a typically peaceful residential area. Officers arrived to a heartbreaking scene: 27-year-old Christopher “DJ” Chapman lay unresponsive in the middle of the road, a single gunshot wound to his chest draining his life. Emergency medical personnel fought to save him, rushing him to Chattooga Regional Hospital’s emergency room, but despite their efforts, Chapman was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. For a town where everyone knows their neighbors, the loss of a young life in such a public and brutal manner sent waves of grief and disbelief through the community.
The Summerville Police Department quickly mobilized, piecing together the events that led to this tragedy. Investigators determined that the shooting stemmed from a heated physical altercation between Chapman and 24-year-old Deoveon Price, another Summerville resident. During the confrontation, Price allegedly drew a firearm and shot Chapman in the chest, a single act that ended one life and altered countless others. Price fled the scene in his vehicle, sparking a rapid and coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies. Within a short time, authorities located Price, who had switched to a different car in an apparent attempt to evade capture. He was apprehended without incident during a traffic stop on Taylors Ridge, a testament to the swift and effective collaboration between local and state agencies.
Deoveon Price now faces serious charges, including felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. These charges reflect the gravity of the incident and the loss of a young man known to many in Summerville as “DJ,” a nickname that carried warmth and familiarity in a tight-knit community. The Summerville Police Department has expressed deep appreciation for the support of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, the Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force, and the Georgia State Patrol, whose assistance was critical in apprehending the suspect and advancing the investigation.
As the investigation continues, questions linger about what led to the fatal confrontation. Oak Street, where the shooting occurred, is not known for violence, making the incident all the more jarring for residents. Neighbors have described Chapman as a vibrant presence, someone who brought energy to those around him. His death has left a void, with friends and family grappling with the suddenness of their loss. Meanwhile, Price’s arrest has prompted discussions about the factors that escalate disputes to deadly outcomes, a sobering reminder of the consequences of unresolved conflict.
The Summerville Police Department remains committed to uncovering the full circumstances of the shooting, ensuring justice for Chapman and closure for his loved ones. For now, the town mourns, holding tight to memories of a young man taken too soon, while law enforcement works diligently to piece together the events of that fateful day. The road to healing will be long, but Summerville’s resilience and sense of community will guide it forward.
