VALDOSTA, Ga. — UPDATE 9/20/2022: The Valdosta Police Department announced that it has made an arrest in the homicide incident that took place Sunday morning involving a 15-year-old male.
The 16-year-old offender was arrested on September 19 after authorities received a call at approximately 11:30 p.m., stating the offender was inside a residence in Valdosta, Georgia.
The offender was detained at a Regional Young Detention Center and charged with possession of a handgun by a person under the age of 18 and four felony charges including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Chief Leslie Manahan gives his condolences to the victim's family. "This senseless act of violence has affected many lives," said Manahan. "It should have never occurred."
VPD said further charges are pending and detectives are continuing to follow up with evidence.
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INITIAL STORY
The Valdosta Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation after an altercation led to a deadly shooting in Valdosta on Sunday morning.
VPD says officers responded to a shooting in the 1300 block of Ponderosa Drive on Sunday at approximately 10:34 a.m.
Upon their arrival, a 15-year-old male was found with gunshot wounds.
According to VPD, officers attempted to administer first aid until Emergency Medical Services arrived on the scene. The victim was later transported to South Georgia Medical Center.
He succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, VPD says.
Authorities say an altercation had occurred between the 15-year-old victim and another male, resulting in the male shooting the victim.
Detectives have identified a person of interest.
If anyone has information, please contact the Valdosta Police Department Investigations Bureau at 229-293-3145 or the Crime Tip Line at 229-293-3091.
