UPDATE: GBI arrests Tifton man in homicide investigation
Published 3:11 pm Wednesday, October 23, 2024
- Stock photo from Metro Creative Connection
Originally posted 6:04 p.m. Oct. 22, 2024 | Updated 3:11 p.m. Oct. 23, 2024
TIFTON — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested and charged Xavier Berrian, age 17, of Tifton, with felony murder, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. On Sunday, Oct. 20, the Tifton Police Department asked the GBI to assist in this investigation.
The GBI said the Tifton Police Department responded to an address on Tifton-Eldorado Road in reference to a shooting. When officers arrived, they found Jaquan Jones, age 18, of Tifton, suffering from a gunshot wound. Jones was taken to a local hospital where he died.
Jones’ body was taken to the GBI’s Crime Lab in Macon for an autopsy.
Berrian is currently booked at the Tift County Jail.
A fundraiser has been organized on GoFundMe.com to help cover funeral expenses for Jones.
“In 2019, I had the pleasure of meeting Jayquawn through a mentorship program at First Baptist Church Tifton,” organizer Douglas Beaty wrote on the webpage. “Little did I know when first meeting him, that this young man would have a huge impact on my life. The friendship, trust and bond I built with this young man is something I will hold onto for the rest of my life. He had a heart filled with compassion, love, loyalty and joy.”
The GoFundMe page set a goal of $8,000 and as of Wednesday afternoon had raised more than $7,400.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Prestige Family Mortuary of Fitzgerald, but they have not been announced yet.
The investigation into the shooting remains active and ongoing, the GBI said. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tifton Police Department at 229-382-3132 or the GBI regional investigative office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to Tift Judicial Circuit DA’s Office for prosecution, the GBI said.
