2 Killed In Mass Shooting At GA Block Party ID'ed

VIENNA, GA — Authorities have identified the two people killed in a mass shooting that injured 35 people at a block party Sunday in a central Georgia town.

The shooting happened at a block party around 1:30 a.m. in the 900 block of Pine Street.

Deputies were near the scene when the shooting began, Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy said, and after they arrived more gunfire erupted about a block away.

Ja’Quavion Aderious Jackson, a 21-year-old Cordele resident, and Macaleb Malik Jackson, a 23-year-old resident, were pronounced dead at the scene in the 600 block of Pine, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in an update late Sunday.

The party covered four blocks and took place during homecoming weekend, 13WMAZ reported.

More than 1,000 people had gathered at the site, and more than 50 shots were fired, Peavy told 13WMAZ.

“We’re still working through the investigation to see what went wrong," Peavy said. "But at large parties with people from different places, not just your locals, sometimes problems come. Our deputies were just about on the scene when it happened. They were at the end of each, most directions of where the block party was being held. But it was so many people. And it was just hard to figure out what was going on.”

Some of the three dozen injured had gunshot wounds, GBI Director Chris Hosey said Sunday evening, but he could not provide a number, the Associated Press reported.

“We’re still trying to work through that,” Hosey said during a news conference Sunday evening.

The injured ranged in age from 14 to 51, and they were taken to several regional hospitals, Peavy said.

The GBI said the conditions of those injured varied from stable to critical.

RELATED: Mass Shooting At GA Homecoming Party Leaves 2 Dead, 35 Injured: Reports

Of the dozens injured, 25 of them were treated at Crisp Regional Hospital, Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock said in a statement released on Facebook. The statement read, in part:

"... In the midst of that tragedy, I was reminded once again of what it means to be a first responder. ... I am incredibly proud of all of our first responders, and especially the men and women at Crisp Regional Hospital, who in a very short period of time were inundated with 25 gunshot victims brought through their doors by EMS and private automobiles. Doctors, nurses, technicians, EMS personnel, and hospital staff went to work. They worked tirelessly, professionally, and with compassion. They did not hesitate. They did not step away. They simply did what they had been trained and called to do—care for people when they needed it most. That dedication to the profession stood out in a moment when there was little time to think and no time to hesitate.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families who are devastated by the loss of loved ones and with every person whose life will forever be changed by what happened. ... The Crisp County Sheriff's Office stands ready to assist in any manner we can. And to the men and women of the Crisp County Sheriff's Office and Cordele Police Department who answered the call—thank you. You ran toward danger while others were running away. That is what first responders do. It is not about recognition. It is about service. It is about protecting others, helping the wounded, and standing beside a community in its darkest moments. Tonight, our community is hurting, but we are also reminded of the courage, compassion, and dedication that live among us. May God comfort the families who are grieving, strengthen those who were injured, and give wisdom and protection to those working to bring justice. Please keep them all in your prayers."

The party was not a school-sponsored event, Dooly County Superintendent Sherrod D. Willaford said in a statement.

Local schools remained open with the presence of crisis support teams Monday.

"The Dooly County School System is deeply saddened by the overnight shooting in Vienna," Willaford said. "Our hearts are with the families grieving the loss of loved ones, those who were injured, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We are grateful for the compassion and support being demonstrated throughout our community, and those affected remain in our thoughts and prayers."

Authorities have not identified any potential suspects or released a motive in the case.

The mass shooting in Vienna came after another mass shooting injured a dozen people on Sept. 27 at a skate park in Macon, located about 56 miles north of Vienna.

Five people are facing charges in connection with the shooting at Carolyn Crayton Park in Macon, the Bibb County Sheriff's Office. The teenage suspects, one as young as age 15, are being charged as adults, authorities said.

The Associated Press contributed reporting and writing.

Patch has reached out to Gov. Brian Kemp's office for comment.

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