Eight Charged in Georgia Block Party Mass Shooting
Two suspects remain on the run after police recovered multiple automatic weapons during searches in three counties.
By Samir Doyle ·
Law enforcement officials in Georgia announced on Thursday that eight individuals have been charged in connection with a deadly shooting at a homecoming block party.
The incident occurred on Oct. 4 in Dooly County and left two people dead and 44 others injured. Police conducted searches across Crisp, Dooly, and Houston counties to locate the suspects.
The eight arrested on Nov. 5 include Latravis Keonta Bentley, 19, of Vienna; Ty’Darrious Ty’Jai Dawson, 19, of Cordele; Devontre Jaquon Holton, 23, of Cordele; Demari Jaheem Nixon, 23, of Cordele; Kahdarious Kayvon Ray, 17, of Vienna; and Keontae Towns, 16, of Cordele. Two additional suspects, Brexton Esamuel Gaston, 19, of Cordele, and Vanravious Rashad Williams, 34, of Perry, remain on the run. Authorities described the pair as armed and dangerous.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation listed charges for the group that include felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and participation in street gang activity. Counts for possession of a firearm during a felony and possession of a firearm under the age of 21 were also filed. Ray had been arrested previously on Oct. 9 and now faces additional charges. Two other suspects were taken into custody on Oct. 14.
Investigators recovered several guns during the Thursday searches. They determined that automatic weapons, including rifles and handguns, were used in the attack. A total of 28 people were shot. Ja’Quavion Aderious Jackson and Macaleb Malik Jackson died from their injuries. Sixteen others were injured while fleeing the scene.
The GBI says the investigation is ongoing. The agency asks anyone with information to call its Perry office at 478-987-4545 or submit an anonymous tip at 1-800-597-8477.
