Officials identified the two people fatally shot at an Oct. 4 Vienna, Georgia, block party as Ja'Quavion Aderious Jackson, 21, and Macaleb Malik Jackson, 23. Gunfire erupted on Pine Street around 1:25 a.m., leaving 35 others injured — ages 14 to 51 — and prompting more than 1,000 people to flee the scene. Investigators from the GBI and local authorities described the probe as active and urged witnesses to come forward as interviews and evidence collection continue.
Two Killed and Dozens Wounded in Vienna, Georgia, Block Party Shooting; Victims Identified
Victims killed in mass shooting at Georgia block party identified
Officials have identified the two people killed in an Oct. 4 mass shooting at a neighborhood block party in Vienna, Georgia, which left dozens more injured.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) identified the deceased as Ja'Quavion Aderious Jackson, 21, of Cordele, and Macaleb Malik Jackson, 23, of Hawkinsville. Both were pronounced dead at the scene after a volley of gunfire at the gathering on Pine Street just after 1:25 a.m. local time.
Deputies from the Dooly County Sheriff's Office, who were patrolling the event, responded immediately and found multiple people had been shot. Authorities say 35 other people were injured and transported to area hospitals; those injured range in age from 14 to 51 and are in varying conditions.
“The majority” of those injured were gunshot victims, GBI Director Chris Hosey said at an Oct. 4 news conference. He added investigators were conducting interviews and did not anticipate any ongoing threat to the public.
Sheriff Craig Peavy said some people were also struck by vehicles as they fled the scene. He estimated that more than 1,000 people scattered from the area after the gunfire began.
Context and Timeline
The block party — not affiliated with the local high school — took place during the high school's homecoming weekend, which brought more visitors than usual to the area. According to Sheriff Peavy, the event was nearly over when the shooting erupted: “We were closing the gap on just about time to shut down everything because it was getting to the 2:00 mark ... and all of a sudden gunfire erupts.”
Investigation Underway
The GBI described the probe as active and ongoing. Director Hosey said investigators would not speculate on motive at this stage; the priority remains identifying those involved and collecting evidence and witness statements. The GBI told USA TODAY on Oct. 5 that there were no additional updates at that time.
Authorities asked anyone with information about the shooting to come forward to assist the investigation.
Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY. Reported by Melina Khan, USA TODAY.
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