Eight arrested after Oct. 4 block party shooting left two dead

Law enforcement officials announced on Nov. 5 that eight people face criminal charges in connection with the Oct. 4 mass shooting at a homecoming block party in Crisp County, Georgia. The incident resulted in two deaths and 44 injuries.

Authorities conducted searches across Crisp, Dooly, and Houston counties to locate the suspects. The eight individuals 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 other suspects, Brexton Esamuel Gaston, 19, and Vanravious Rashad Williams, 34, remain at large. Officials described them as armed and dangerous.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the charged individuals face felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, participation in street gang activity, possession of a firearm during a felony, and possession of a firearm under age 21. Ray had been arrested earlier on Oct. 9 and now faces additional charges. Two other suspects were taken into custody on Oct. 14.

Investigators recovered several guns during the Nov. 5 searches. They determined that automatic weapons, including rifles and handguns, were used in the shooting. A total of 28 people were shot during the event. Ja’Quavion Aderious Jackson and Macaleb Malik Jackson died from their injuries. Sixteen others were injured while fleeing the scene, while the remaining injured were shot at the location.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues its investigation into the event. The agency asked the public to contact its Perry office at 478-987-4545 or call 1-800-597-8477 to submit anonymous tips.