Police charge eight suspects in Georgia block party shooting

Law enforcement officials in Georgia announced on Thursday that they have charged eight individuals in connection with a mass shooting that occurred during a homecoming block party in Dooly County on Oct. 4. The incident resulted in the deaths of two men and left 44 others injured. Officials held a press conference to detail the arrests made following coordinated searches across Crisp, Dooly, and Houston counties.

The eight people charged 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. Ray was previously arrested on Oct. 9 but now faces additional charges. Two other suspects, 19-year-old Brexton Esamuel Gaston of Cordele and 34-year-old Vanravious Rashad Williams of Perry, remain at large with active warrants. Authorities described the two fugitives as armed and dangerous.

State investigators determined that several automatic weapons, including rifles and handguns, were used in the attack. Police recovered multiple guns during the Thursday searches. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the suspects face charges including felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and participation in street gang activity. Some defendants also face charges for possessing firearms while under the age of 21 or during the commission of a felony.

Investigators reported that 28 people were shot in total. Ja’Quavion Aderious Jackson and Macaleb Malik Jackson died from their injuries. Sixteen other victims were injured while fleeing the scene. Two additional arrests were made in the case on Oct. 14. The GBI stated the investigation is ongoing and requested the public to contact the Perry office at 478-987-4545 or call the anonymous tip line at 1-800-597-8477.