Eight charged in Georgia shooting
Authorities arrested six suspects today and issued warrants for two others following a homecoming party shooting that killed two people.
By Samira Khalil ·
Eight people faced criminal charges on Thursday for their roles in a mass shooting that killed two attendees at a Georgia homecoming block party.
Law enforcement announced the charges during a press conference on Nov. 5. Officers conducted searches across Crisp, Dooly, and Houston counties to locate the suspects. Six individuals were taken into custody that day. Latravis Keonta Bentley and Ty’Darrious Ty’Jai Dawson are both 19 years old. Devontre Jaquon Holton and Demari Jaheem Nixon are both 23. Kahdarious Kayvon Ray is 17. Keontae Towns is 16.
Two other suspects remain at large. Brexton Esamuel Gaston is 19 and lives in Cordele. Vanravious Rashad Williams is 34 and lives in Perry. Police labeled both men armed and dangerous. Warrants for their arrests were issued during the same announcement.
The GBI stated that the eight charged face multiple serious counts. These include felony murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery. Charges also cover participation in street gang activity and possession of a firearm during a felony. Two of the suspects, Ray and Towns, were under 21 at the time of the alleged offense. Ray had been arrested earlier on Oct. 9 but now faces additional charges. Two other suspects were also arrested on Oct. 14.
Investigators recovered several guns during the Thursday searches. They determined that automatic rifles and handguns were used in the Oct. 4 shooting. 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 said the investigation is ongoing and provided a phone number for tips at the Perry office.
