UPDATE: GBI says Vienna mass shooting injured 44; 2 suspects remain at large

The GBI says 10 people have been charged in the investigation. Authorities now report 44 people were injured, including two who died.

VIENNA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Two suspects remain on the run and are considered armed and dangerous as authorities announce additional felony murder charges in the October mass shooting at a Vienna block party that killed two people.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Dooly County Sheriff’s Office announced the latest charges Thursday, bringing the total number of people charged in the investigation to 10, according to the GBI.

Authorities also updated the number of people injured in the October 4 shooting to 44. Twenty-eight suffered gunshot wounds, including two who died, while 16 sustained other injuries.

The two people killed were identified as 21-year-old Ja’Quavion Aderious Jackson of Cordele and 23-year-old Macaleb Malik Jackson of Hawkinsville.

During Thursday’s news conference, Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy addressed the investigation and its impact on those affected.

“Our prayers remain with those affected as they continue to recover and strengthen,” he said. “Two men lost their lives as a result of this senseless violence.”

The GBI identified the two suspects who remain at large as:

• Brexton Esamuel Gaston, 19, of Cordele.
• Vanravious Rashad Williams, 34, of Perry.

Both face felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and participation in criminal street gang activity charges. Gaston also faces a charge of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Authorities say both suspects are considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees them  should move to a safe location and call 911 immediately.

The GBI also identified six people who have been arrested in connection with the latest charges:

• 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.
• Keontae Towns, 16, of Cordele.

All six face felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and participation in criminal street gang activity charges, along with firearms-related charges.

According to the GBI, 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.

As 41NBC previously reported, investigators announced arrests earlier in October, including 36-year-old Kelcey Smith and 40-year-old Johntavirous Robinson, both of Cordele.

Smith and Robinson were charged with two counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and tampering with evidence.

The GBI also previously announced charges against Ray on October 9.

GBI Director Chris Hosey said investigators remain focused on the people affected by the shooting.

“Because it is you who continue to be impacted by the tragic acts of violence that occurred here in this community on October 4th of this year,” he said. “We’ve not forgotten you, and you remain at the center of our work as investigators. Our prayers continue to be with you in this community as we move.”

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI’s Perry Regional Investigative Office at (478) 987-4545. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), through the GBI’s online tip form or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.