8 arrested in deadly block party mass shooting, 2 on the run

DOOLY COUNTY, Ga. (WALB/Gray News) - More people have been charged in connection with a deadly Georgia mass shooting that left two people dead and 44 injured.

In a press conference on Thursday, Nov. 5, law enforcement officials announced that eight people were charged following multiple searches across Crisp, Dooly and Houston counties.

Those arrested on Nov. 5. include:

• Latravis Keonta Bentley, 19, of Vienna, Ga.
• Ty’Darrious Ty’Jai Dawson, age 19, of Cordele, Ga.
• Devontre Jaquon Holton, age 23, of Cordele, Ga.
• Demari Jaheem Nixon, age 23, of Cordele, Ga.
• Kahdarious Kayvon Ray, age 17, of Vienna, Ga.
• Keontae Towns, age 16, of Cordele, Ga.

However, two additional suspects identified as 19-year-old Brexton Esamuel Gaston of Cordele and 34-year-old Vanravious Rashad Williams of Perry have warrants out for their arrests and are considered “armed and dangerous,” Peavy said.

Each is facing a number of serious charges including felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, participation of street gang activity, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and Possession of a firearm under the age of 21, according to the GBI.

Ray was also previously arrested on Oct. 9 but now faces additional charges, while two others were arrested in the case on Oct. 14.

Investigators say that several guns were recovered during the searches on Thursday, and determined that several automatic weapons, including rifles and handguns, were used in the homecoming block party mass shooting on Oct. 4.

Authorities added that a total of 28 people were shot, including Ja’Quavion Aderious Jackson and Macaleb Malik Jackson, who died from their injuries, while 16 others were injured while fleeing the scene.

The GBI says the investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact its Perry office at 478-987-4545 or submit an anonymous tip at 1-800-597-8477.