Crime
18-year-old Javen Turner killed in Sparta shooting, 5 charged with murder
Authorities have charged four adults and a juvenile in connection with the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old man in Sparta, Georgia, on Friday afternoon.
The victim, identified as Javen Lamont Turner of Sparta, was critically injured in the shooting at the intersection of Broad Street and Miles Street. Turner succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
According to a police news release, the following individuals have been charged with felony murder:
- Nehemiah Henderson, 22, of Sparta
- Armarion Hunt, 20, of Sparta (still at large)
- Darrion Deandre Green, 18, of Thompson
- Mikez Yaraus Edwards, 18, of Sparta
Additionally, a juvenile suspect is being held at the Regional Youth Detention Center.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) revealed that around 3 p.m. on Friday, the Hancock County 911 center received reports of a shooting involving two vehicles. Witnesses stated that individuals in one car opened fire on another vehicle. Turner, a passenger, was struck multiple times. He was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The GBI has also reported another person injured in the incident, although their condition remains undisclosed.
The Sparta Police Department requested assistance from the GBI to investigate the case further. As of now, Hunt remains at large, and law enforcement continues to search for him.
The GBI urges anyone with information about this case to come forward. Tips can be submitted via:
- Phone: GBI Regional Investigative Office in Milledgeville at (478) 445-4173 or the anonymous tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477)
- Online: GBI Tip Submission Portal
- Mobile App: See Something, Send Something
This remains an active investigation, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.