LOWNDES COUNTY, GA — A shooting at a Valdosta gas station left one employee dead and three others hospitalized after a fellow worker opened fire at Jay Boy's Travel Center off Madison Highway, the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office said.
WATCH FULL REPORT BELOW:
The suspect, identified as Jabari Nelms, is in custody at the Lowndes County Jail facing multiple charges, including murder.
The victim who died has been identified as Damani Bentley. Three other employees were rushed to South Georgia Medical Center and are still receiving treatment.
Sheriff Ashley Paulk said early findings indicate the shooting stemmed from a workplace incident, with tension building among employees working in close quarters — particularly in the food line area where workers were side by side.
"Preliminary investigation indicates that the victims and the suspect were all employees of the business and were working at the time of the incident," Paulk said.
Nearby witnesses described a crowded workspace where employees were bumping into each other just before the situation escalated, though investigators say they are still working to determine exactly what led up to the shooting.
Paulk said while not every incident can be prevented, there are warning signs the public should not ignore.
"People shouldn't ignore anything. You know, if they have customers coming into place, looking agitated, being troublesome? Make us aware of it. Let's start watching people. There's no way to prevent every single incident like this, but maybe you can be watching the attitudes of people come in. They have an attitude. You see something, let us know," Paulk said.
For community members like Nancy Griffin, who says she has been coming to the business since it first opened, the loss is both personal and troubling.
"They're not going to come back after you shoot them. Do they understand that? I mean, are they mentally able to? I mean, I just don't understand," Griffin said.
Griffin said the shooting is part of a broader pattern of violence she has watched grow in the area.
"It's not God; it's Satan. It's people not caring about life. They're not caring anymore. Look at what's on Valdosta. Valdosta's getting a bad name. And you know why? It's all the shootings," Griffin said.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.
Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.
