Authorities report 44 injured, including 28 gunshot victims, in October 4 shooting that left two dead
VIENNA, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Dooly County Sheriff’s Office have announced charges against eight additional individuals in connection with the October 4, 2026, mass shooting in Vienna that killed two people and injured dozens more.
During a November 5 news conference, Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy announced that law enforcement officers had executed numerous search warrants across three counties as part of a coordinated investigation into what authorities describe as gang-related violence.
Multiple firearms were seized during the operation.
Six of the eight newly charged individuals have been arrested, while two remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous.
According to the GBI’s official release, the following individuals have been arrested and charged:
- Latravis Keonta Bentley, 19, of Vienna: Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Participation in Criminal Street Gang Activity, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
- Ty’Darrious Ty’Jai Dawson, 19, of Cordele: Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Participation in Criminal Street Gang Activity, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
- Devontre Jaquon Holton, 23, of Cordele: Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Participation in Criminal Street Gang Activity, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
- Demari Jaheem Nixon, 23, of Cordele: Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Participation in Criminal Street Gang Activity, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
- Kahdarious Kayvon Ray, 17, of Vienna: Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Participation in Criminal Street Gang Activity, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
- Keontae Towns, 16, of Cordele: Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Participation in Criminal Street Gang Activity, and Possession of a Firearm Under the Age of 21.
The GBI reported that Holton and Nixon were booked into the Crisp County Jail, Dawson and Ray into the Dooly County Jail, and Bentley into the Houston County Jail. The release did not specify a booking location for Towns.
Authorities are continuing to search for two additional individuals charged in connection with the shooting:
- Brexton Esamuel Gaston, 19, of Cordele: Charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Participation in Criminal Street Gang Activity, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
- Vanravious Rashad Williams, 34, of Perry: Charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, and Participation in Criminal Street Gang Activity.
Both are considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities warn the public not to approach or attempt to contact either individual. Anyone who sees them or has information about their whereabouts should move to a safe location and call 911 immediately.
The GBI also provided an updated accounting of the injuries resulting from the October 4 shooting.
According to investigators, 44 people were injured, including 28 who sustained gunshot wounds and 16 who suffered other injuries during the incident.
Two of the gunshot victims died:
- Ja’Quavion Aderious Jackson, 21, of Cordele
- Macaleb Malik Jackson, 23, of Hawkinsville
The shooting occurred at approximately 1:25 a.m. during a neighborhood block party on Pine Street in Vienna. According to the original GBI report, Dooly County deputies were patrolling the area when gunfire erupted near the 900 block of Pine Street.
Deputies responded and discovered multiple shooting victims. The two individuals who died were found in the 600 block of Pine Street. Victims were transported to several regional hospitals for treatment.
The GBI previously announced arrests in connection with the investigation.
On October 9, authorities charged Khadarius “KD” Ray, 17, with possession of a handgun under the age of 18 and participation in criminal street gang activity.
On October 14, investigators announced the arrests of Kelcey Smith, 36, and Johntavirous Robinson, 40, both of Cordele. Each was charged with two counts of Participation in Criminal Street Gang Activity, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Tampering with Evidence.
During Thursday’s news conference, Sheriff Peavy said 12 individuals had been charged in the investigation, with 10 in custody and two outstanding. The GBI’s accompanying written update, however, stated that 10 people had been charged. The reason for the difference was not explained in the materials released.
GBI Director Chris Hosey addressed the news conference, emphasizing the extensive work conducted by investigators and the importance of cooperation among local, state and federal agencies. Hosey said investigators had followed leads, conducted interviews, executed search warrants and processed substantial amounts of evidence.
He also thanked community members who provided information, saying their cooperation played an important role in the investigation’s progress. Hosey emphasized that the investigation remains active and that authorities will continue pursuing those responsible.
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham also spoke during the news conference. Graham said the FBI provided assistance that included cellphone analysis, personnel and tactical teams.
He discussed the broader impact of gang-related violence on families and communities and emphasized the importance of cooperation among law enforcement, educators, parents and community leaders.
During questions from reporters, authorities declined to identify the specific gangs allegedly involved or discuss the relationships between those charged and the victims.
Investigators also declined to say whether the two people killed were intended targets or were caught in the gunfire.
Officials confirmed that several firearms had been recovered during the investigation, including automatic weapons, but did not provide an exact number. The circumstances that triggered the shooting have not been publicly established.
The GBI and Dooly County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:
GBI Perry Regional Investigative Office: 478-987-4545
Anonymous GBI Tip Line: 1-800-597-8477
Online: https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online
Tips may also be submitted through the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
The GBI stated that the completed investigative file will be submitted to the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia for review and prosecution.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sources: Georgia Bureau of Investigation official press release and updates; November 5, 2026, news conference featuring Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy, GBI Director Chris Hosey and FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham.
