Warner Robins man convicted in domestic violence murder of Michaela Chaney

24-year-old Jayveon Jermaine Bivins was convicted by a Houston County jury following a four-day trial.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Warner Robins man has been convicted of malice murder in connection with the 2024 shooting death of Michaela Chaney, according to Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards.

24-year-old Jayveon Jermaine Bivins was convicted by a Houston County jury following a four-day trial. Bivins was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, burglary, two counts of tampering with evidence, theft by taking, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

He was sentenced April 18 to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 20 years to be served consecutively.

According to prosecutors, on Feb. 3, 2024, Bivins was at Chaney’s apartment when he confronted her about text messages exchanged with another man. The two had previously been in a relationship but had separated before the incident.

When Chaney refused to discuss the messages, Bivins became enraged. He retrieved her firearm from her purse and fatally shot her in the head inside her apartment, according to a news release.

The district attorney said the following occurred after Chaney’s death:

“After the murder, Bivins wrapped Chaney’s body in a sheet and comforter, placed her in the trunk of her car, and drove to a wooded area where he left her remains, covering them with brush and a log. He then returned to her apartment, cleaned the scene, and removed evidence— including shell casings and a Ring doorbell camera—to conceal his involvement. Bivins also cleaned Chaney’s vehicle with bleach before abandoning it and walking home.”

District Attorney Eric Edwards released the following statement:

“This case is a tragedy in every sense of the word. Michaela Chaney was a young woman with her entire life ahead of her, and that life was stolen in an act of senseless violence by someone who once claimed to care about her. The actions Jayveon Bivins took—both during and after this murder—demonstrate a disturbing level of cruelty and callousness that demanded the strongest possible response from our justice system. I want to thank the Warner Robins Police Department, especially Investigator Karmen Thompson, as well as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, for the outstanding and thorough work they did in uncovering the truth and building this case. Thanks to their efforts and the skilled prosecution by Chief ADA Greg Winters and ADA Lauren Fletcher, justice was delivered for Michaela and her loved ones. Our office will continue to stand with victims of domestic violence and pursue accountability for those who commit these devastating crimes.”

Assistant District Attorney Chief Edwards released the following statement:

“Domestic violence is a horrific crime that shatters lives, tears families apart, and leaves lasting scars on entire communities. It is intolerable, and the District Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in our commitment to preventing it, prosecuting it, and ensuring that justice is served for every victim. No one should ever feel unsafe in their own home. Jayveon Bivins not only senselessly took the life of Michaela Chaney—he did so without remorse. His actions have left a devastating void in the lives of all who knew and loved Michaela: her family, her friends, and every person whose life she touched. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Warner Robins Police Department—especially lead investigator Karmen Thompson—and to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for their relentless dedication and work in bringing justice to Michaela and her loved ones.”