Fort Valley man pleads guilty in deadly 2024 shooting

Johnson later entered a guilty plea rather than proceed to trial.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Fort Valley man was sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a 2024 fatal shooting, according to a news release from the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

19-year-old Jaqwan Johnson was sentenced to serve the first 20 years in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the October 2024 death of Anahury Melendez.

Officers with the Fort Valley Police Department responded to a residence on October 5, 2024, after receiving a report of a shooting.

Melendez was found in the front yard suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest and a deep laceration to the left side of his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said the incident began when Melendez went to a nearby home seeking to purchase marijuana. When he was told none was available, he became agitated and threw beer cans at the house.

Johnson, who was inside the residence, went outside and confronted Melendez in a yard across the street. Investigators said Johnson struck Melendez in the head with a firearm.

Melendez then pulled a knife from his shorts. Johnson shot him once in the chest and fled the scene. Johnson later entered a guilty plea rather than proceed to trial.

District Attorney Anita Howard released the following statement:

“Anahury Melendez lost his life over a senseless confrontation that never had to happen. Our office is committed to holding accountable those who choose to bring violence to our communities, and I am proud of the diligent work of Deputy Chief ADA Taylor Wilson and the outstanding investigative efforts of the Fort Valley Police Department. Together, we will continue to pursue justice for every victim in the Macon Judicial Circuit.”