Houston County teenager sentenced to 50 years after deadly shooting

Javontae Ridley is sentenced to 50 years in prison followed by 35 years on probation.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- 17-year-old Javontae Ridley was sentenced on April 29 to 50 years in prison followed by 35 years on probation after a deadly shooting.

Ridley attended a street party on September 4 of 2021 on Mauldon Court and shot a gun into a crowd.

Ridley fatally shot Tanyla Johnson, as well as four others who were non-fatally shot.

Deputy Chief ADA Winters released the following statement:

“Javontae Ridley was 15 years old when he decided to take a handgun to a party and negatively impacted the lives of all those who attended. The complete lack of concern he showed when he began firing into the crowd shows a level of heartlessness that unfortunately seems to be increasing in our society. I am thankful for the work of the lead investigator Inv. Gary Chambers of the Warner Robins Police Department and the others that assisted the jury in returning the guilty verdict, and Judge Adams for the sentence he delivered. All of them spoke loudly to our community that this will not be allowed and that there will be consequences for those who have decided they wish to act this way.”

District Attorney William Kendall released the following statement:

 “My sincere appreciation goes to Investigator Gary Chambers, Warner Robin Police Department, Deputy Chief ADA Winters, the jury and Court, for playing their important role in seeking justice. This was one of the many crime scenes that I had visited personally as DA. The aftermath left behind stretched down the entire street and all that was left was the remanence of devastation brought by this Defendant and his heinous, selfish acts. Although we cannot undo what has been done, we hoped to have helped provide closure to the family and victims. I also pray this conviction will send a message to our youth that there are real world consequences for our actions. Mr. Ridley now knows the consequences for his actions–life behind bars for the next few decades.”