GBI activates six investigative units for Vienna shooting
GBI Director Chris Hosey says investigators across Georgia are helping identify those responsible for the shooting that killed two people and injured 35 others.
VIENNA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has activated six investigative work units across the state as authorities work to identify those responsible for the mass shooting at a Vienna block party that killed two people and injured 35 others.
The GBI says deputies were already patrolling the area when shots were fired around 1:25 a.m. Sunday. Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy identified the victims as 21-year-old Ja’Quavion Jackson of Cordele and 23-year-old Macaleb Jackson of Hawkinsville.
“We did not know what we had,” he said. “While we were on scene, more shots were fired. You didn’t know where it was coming from, multiple victims. It was a learning experience for us.”
Investigators say the shots were fired from the 900 block of Pine Street.
That’s where deputies responded and found multiple people shot. Peavy says the two victims were found in the 600 block of Pine Street and pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies will be taken to the GBI medical examiner’s office, where autopsies will be conducted,” said Peavy.
During his news conference, Peavy gave an update on the victims.
“35 additional victims were transported to several regional hospitals for treatment,” he said. “Victims range from 14 to 51 years old; the conditions of the victims now range from critical to stable. The block party itself spanned four blocks.”
GBI Director Chris Hosey says his agency is working to solve the case and help prevent another mass shooting.
“These criminal acts remind us of not only the devastating impact that violence can have on a community like this, but also the importance of strong partnerships among law enforcement agencies,” he said. “The Dooly County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are working side by side to pursue those individuals who are responsible for this act. Bringing the strength of local law enforcement and the resources of the state of Georgia represents law enforcement standing together, as you see here today.”
“The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has activated six different investigative work units from across our state and in this region, which includes numerous personnel to assist with this investigation,” Hosey added. “Once it’s complete, the case file will be given to the Cordele Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.
Investigators have not released information about a possible suspect or motive. Stay with 41NBC for updates as they become available.
