Vienna shooting leaves two dead at party
Two people died and at least 35 others suffered injuries after gunfire erupted during a homecoming gathering in Vienna, prompting a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe in Dooly County.
VIENNA, Ga. – A late-night homecoming celebration ended in tragedy Sunday when gunfire erupted across a four-block span in a historic small South Georgia city.
Two men were killed and 35 others injured.
Emergency crews and law enforcement officers from multiple counties rushed to secure the scene as victims were taken to regional hospitals.
South Georgia mass shooting
What we know:
A crowd of more than 1,000 people gathered for an unofficial homecoming block party near West Palm and the Dooly County Recreation Department gym in the 900 block of Pine Street. Around 1:25 a.m. Sunday, gunfire broke out while deputies were stationed at both ends of the street to manage traffic.
Deputies rushed toward the gunfire and located two deceased men, identified as 21-year-old Ja’Quavion Aderious Jackson of Cordele and 23-year-old Macaleb Malik Jackson of Hawkinsville. Authorities said 35 additional victims, ranging in age from 14 to 51, suffered injuries that ranged from critical to stable condition.
Dooly County Coroner Brett Walls called the scene horrific after the two men died from fatal gunshot wounds. Most of the 35 injured victims suffered gunshot wounds, while others were hit by cars as crowds ran from the area.
Multi-agency response
By the numbers:
Traffic congestion and ongoing gunfire a block away complicated initial rescue efforts as emergency crews worked to reach the wounded. Responders transported victims to Crisp County Hospital, Bleckley Memorial Hospital, a hospital in Perry, and Atrium Health Navicent in Macon.
Sheriff Craig Peavy had 22 officers working Friday night during peaceful homecoming festivities, but Sunday morning required support from state and neighboring agencies. Georgia State Patrol, Houston County, Perry Police Department, and Crisp County Sheriff’s Office sent personnel to assist Dooly County deputies.
Officials describe chaos
What they’re saying:
“Please turn yourself in, because we’re doing everything we can to find out who you are,” Peavy said during a news conference. Peavy explained that people were going in every direction and additional shots were fired about a block away while deputies were already on scene.
“We don’t know if it’s coming at us or someone else,” Peavy said. “You just have to keep doing what you’re doing and hope you don’t get hit by gunfire.”
GBI Director Chris Hosey stated that six investigative work units were activated across the region to identify suspects. Vienna Mayor Eddie Daniels noted the shooting occurred about a block from his home, adding that the city had not issued a permit for the block party.
Vienna echos of Macon mass shooting
Local perspective:
The block party was being held at the Dooley County Recreation Department’s gym located in the 900 block of Pine Street in Vienna.
The incident took place over homecoming weekend for Dooly County High School.
The shooting was not at a school-sponsored event, said Sherrod Willaford, superintendent of the Dooly County School System.
“We recognize that its impact may reach many of our students, families, and staff,” he said in a statement. Schools will open Monday, he said, but additional safety measures have been put in place. He did not specify what they are.
Vienna is about 130 miles south of Atlanta and about a 50-mile drive south on the Interstate 75 corridor from the central Georgia city of Macon, where authorities say 12 teens were wounded by gunfire during a confrontation between people at a birthday party last week at a city park.
Deputies found two people dead at the scene and multiple others who had been shot, officials said. Police did not specify how many of the 35 injured had been shot or provide any details about the injuries or their severity. The victims were taken to several hospitals for treatment, the GBI said.
Manhunt for shooters
What we don’t know:
Investigators have not identified any suspects, named a potential motive, or determined how many shooters opened fire. Authorities have not confirmed what specific argument or event triggered the initial gunfire before crowds scattered across the four-block area.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation assistance
What you can do:
Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information or video of the block party to contact the GBI Perry office at (478) 987-4545 or the tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online or through the free See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Cordele Judicial Circuit review
What’s next:
The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office will perform autopsies on Jue’Von Jackson and McCaleb Jackson. Once state agents complete their investigation, the full case file will go to the Cordele Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.
Dooly County High School Superintendent Sherrod Willaford confirmed the shooting did not occur at a school-sponsored event. Willaford said schools will open Monday with additional safety measures in place to support students and staff.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, who provided official details in a news release, as well as the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office. The Associated Press and FOX News contributed to this report. This article has been updated since it was originally published. This story is being reported out of Atlanta.