VIENNA, Ga. — Authorities have identified the two young men killed in Sunday morning’s mass shooting in Vienna as investigators continue working to determine who was responsible for the gunfire that left dozens of others injured.
Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy, identifies the two men killed as 21-year-old Jaquevion Jackson of Cordele and 23-year-old Macaleb Jackson of Hawkinsville. The shooting happened at approximately 1:25 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, during a large neighborhood block party on Pine Street. Dooly County sheriff’s deputies were already patrolling the gathering when gunfire erupted.
Sheriff Craig Peavy said more than 1,000 people were gathered in the area and more than 50 shots were fired in at least two locations approximately a block apart. Peavy described people fleeing in different directions as additional gunfire erupted even while officers were responding.
The Crisp County Sheriff’s Office says 25 people were shot, while others were injured during the chaos. The GBI’s overall figure remains two dead and 35 injured. Crisp Regional Hospital says it received a large influx of patients shortly after 2 a.m.; two patients required emergency surgery, two were transferred to other facilities, several were admitted, and many others were treated and released. The injured range in age from 14 to 51.
The gathering coincided with Dooly County High School’s homecoming weekend but was not a school-sponsored event. The Dooly County School System has announced that schools will open Monday with additional safety measures in place.
A $5,000 reward has also been announced for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible for the shooting. As of Sunday evening, no arrests have been announced, no suspects have been publicly identified and investigators have not released a possible motive.
The GBI is leading the investigation with assistance from the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Perry at 478-987-4545. Anonymous tips may also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).
Hazlehurst Now will continue following this developing story and provide updates as additional information is confirmed.
Sources 13WMAZ, APNews, WKMG, GBI
