Soperton Teen Killed In Sunday Shooting
A 15-year-old lost his life and a 17-year-old remains in critical condition after being shot on New Street in Soperton on Sunday, October 5.
The Soperton Police Department was dispatched to the 100 block of New Street at 3:40 p.m. on Sunday in reference to shots fired. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a 15-year-old male in the area suffering from multiple gunshot wounds; the teen ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on scene. At the same time, a 17-yearold male went to the nearby EMS headquarters with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported continued from page
by ambulance to Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia, and was soon airlifted to a trauma center, where he remains in critical condition.
The Soperton Police Department, Treutlen County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigated the incident, as personnel from these agencies and several other assisting agencies worked throughout Sunday night to capture the suspects as quickly as possible.
On Monday, October 6, Emily Ford, 20, of Dublin, and Allen Knight, 19, of Soperton, were arrested for the shooting. Ford and Knight are charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, party to the crime – felony murder, and party to the crime – aggravated assault.
Soperton Police Chief Brian Scott commented on the case. “Investigations are dynamic with a lot of moving parts. The investigating agencies, as well as the partner law enforcement agencies who assisted, all had a unified goal: find the facts and seek justice for the victims,” he emphasized. “This is a very tragic incident resulting from a senseless act of violence.
Scott thanked several supporting agencies for their help in investigating the case and bringing the suspects to justice. These agencies include the Georgia State Patrol – Swainsboro and Dublin posts, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, Dublin Police Department, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and Dublin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s office.
On Sunday, Treutlen County Schools also spoke on the situation, as they explained that school would continue on Monday, but all students would be required to pass through a metal detector and there would be heavy law enforcement presence on campus.
“Our school community is deeply saddened to share that one of our students tragically lost their life during an event that occurred this afternoon,” the school shared in a statement issued on Sunday. “Another student was also injured and is currently receiving medical care. Our hearts are with both families, their loved ones, and all our students and staff affected by this tragedy.”
The school system had counselors and support staff available for students during the school day to help students or staff who need to talk or seek support, and all afterschool events and activities scheduled for Monday were cancelled “out of respect and care for [the] community.”
Neighboring school districts and organizations poured out their support for the Soperton and Treutlen County community after hearing of the tragedy.
“Our hearts and prayers go to our neighboring schools, West Laurens and Treutlen County, for the tragedies and losses over the weekend. May God be your strength and comfort during this difficult time,” Montgomery County Schools shared in a public statement, which addressed both the shooting and a car accident which killed West Laurens High School Student Isaiah Freeman this weekend.
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“This weekend, two area schools experienced the unimaginable loss of students,” the Brewton-Parker Christian University Education Department stated. “[We are] lifting their families, friends, and educators in prayer, asking for comfort and peace during this time of sorrow.”
The investigation of the shooting is still ongoing. Anyone with information should call the Treutlen County 911 Center at (912) 529-3222 or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Eastman Office at (478) 374-6988. Tips can also be submitted by calling 1 (800) 597-TIPS (8477), visiting the Georgia Bureau of Investigation website, or through the See Something, Say Something mobile app.
