Georgia block party shooting: Eight suspects charged

Law enforcement officials announced on Thursday, Nov. 5, that eight people have been charged in connection with a mass shooting at a homecoming block party. The incident occurred on Oct. 4 in Dooly County, Georgia, and resulted in two deaths and 44 injuries. Charges were filed following searches conducted across Crisp, Dooly, and Houston counties.

The newly charged individuals are 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 other suspects, 19-year-old Brexton Esamuel Gaston and 34-year-old Vanravious Rashad Williams, remain at large. Officials described the two fugitives as armed and dangerous.

Each suspect faces charges including felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and participation in street gang activity. Additional charges include possession of a firearm during a felony and possession of a firearm while under 21. Kahdarious Kayvon Ray was initially arrested on Oct. 9 but now faces extra charges. Two other individuals were arrested in the case on Oct. 14.

Investigators recovered multiple guns during Thursday’s searches. They determined that several automatic weapons, including rifles and handguns, were used in the attack. A total of 28 people were shot at the event. Ja’Quavion Aderious Jackson and Macaleb Malik Jackson died from their injuries, while 16 others were injured while fleeing the scene.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation stated that the investigation remains ongoing. The agency urged anyone with information to contact its Perry office at 478-987-4545 or submit an anonymous tip at 1-800-597-8477.