Crime
Mass shooting at Albany State University: At least 6 shot, multiple people detained
Unconfirmed reports suggesting that two individuals may have lost their lives.
A tragic shooting incident occurred on Saturday night at Albany State University, resulting in one fatality and injuries to five others.
The shooting took place around 9 p.m. near the student union of the school’s East Campus.
The deceased victim has been identified as 19-year-old De-Marion Tayshawn Daniels, who succumbed to his injuries at Phoebe Hospital.
Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler confirmed that he received a call about a male victim who died of his injuries.
Albany Police Chief Michael Persley stated that authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the shooting, which occurred during the university’s homecoming weekend.
An emergency lockdown has been implemented across all Albany State University campuses.
Students, faculty, and staff are advised to stay in their current locations and follow the instructions of campus officials.
Multiple individuals have been detained in connection with the shooting.
Statement from Albany State following shooting on campus:
The Albany State University family is deeply saddened to learn of an incident that took place on campus at approximately 8:50 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024. As always, the safety and security of our ASU students, faculty and staff are the number one priority of this institution.
We have been informed that six individuals have sustained injuries. Sadly, one has been reported deceased. The GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) is leading the investigation and is being assisted by state and local agencies. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Albany State University remains committed to providing resources for the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our campus community. Counseling and other resources are available to students during this time. We are encouraging our students to make use of these resources as needed.
The public is urged to avoid the area surrounding the shooting scene to allow law enforcement to conduct their investigation effectively.
Crime
34-year-old Augusta Fireman Spencer Johnson charged in accidental shooting of his 3-year-old son in Harlem
Johnson, a decorated firefighter from Augusta, was arrested on Friday.
A Columbia County father, Spencer Allen Johnson, 34, of Harlem, Georgia, has been charged with child cruelty after his 3-year-old son, Evan Johnson, accidentally shot himself in the shoulder with an unsecured firearm.
According to authorities, the incident occurred Thursday night when the child accessed an unsecured firearm in his father’s bedroom.
The young boy, left unsupervised, discharged the weapon, resulting in a gunshot wound to his shoulder. Fortunately, the child is expected to make a full recovery.
Johnson, a decorated firefighter from Augusta, was arrested on Friday.
He faces charges of child cruelty stemming from criminal negligence, which authorities allege caused “excessive physical pain” to his son through neglectful supervision. He is currently being held at the Columbia County Detention Center with bond set at $10,100.
The Harlem Police Department did not initially release information about the shooting. However, as rumors of the incident spread on social media, the situation was later confirmed by both WGAC’s Austin Rhodes and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office late Friday evening.
Early Saturday morning, Harlem Police Chief issued a statement on the department’s Facebook page, stating that the case remains under investigation as new details emerge.
The Chief’s statement suggests that the full circumstances surrounding the shooting are still being determined.
In his booking photo, Johnson is seen wearing an anti-suicide smock, a standard precautionary measure taken in some detention facilities.
The incident has sparked discussions about gun safety and parental responsibility. Authorities are expected to release further information as the investigation unfolds.
Meanwhile, the Columbia County community remains concerned about ensuring proper firearm storage to prevent similar tragedies.