The Vidalia Police Department has released this update: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has announced an arrest in connection with the July 4th shooting death of a 36-year-old Atlanta man in Vidalia. According to an update released by the GBI on Wednesday, August 12, 25-year-old Joel Anton-Jamaal Brown of Savannah has been charged with murder and several other offenses in connection with the death of Rashad Lamar Lumpkin.
Brown was already being held in the Chatham County Jail on unrelated charges at the time of his arrest.
The following is the GBI’s update and original release, published as provided:
UPDATE – August 12, 2026:
The GBI has arrested and charged Joel Anton-Jamaal Brown, age 25, of Savannah, GA, with Felony Murder, Malice Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and False Statements and Writings in connection with the death of Rashad Lamar Lumpkin on July 4, 2026.
At the time of his arrest, Brown was in custody at the Chatham County Jail on unrelated charges.
ORIGINAL RELEASE:
Vidalia, GA (July 6, 2026) – The GBI is investigating the death of Rashad Lamar Lumpkin, age 36, of Atlanta, GA, following a shooting in Vidalia, GA. The Vidalia Police Department requested the GBI to investigate.
On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at about 3:13 a.m., Vidalia Police Department officers were dispatched to a shots-fired call in the 500 block of East Jenkins St. in Vidalia, Toombs County, GA. When officers arrived, they discovered Lumpkin in the road with multiple gunshot wounds. Lumpkin was taken to an area hospital by EMS, where he was pronounced deceased.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Eastman at 478-374-6988 or the Vidalia Police Department at 912-537-4123. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at GBI Online Tip Form, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
