Canton Double Homicide Suspect Remains At Large

CANTON, GA -- The search for the 17-year-old male wanted in connection to the June 25 double homicide near downtown Canton has expanded up the east cost. Arrest warrants were issued last month for Akilee Zakee Wilson, but he has yet to surface, Canton police told Patch.

Police Chief Mark Mitchell said investigators believe Wilson, whose last address was in Dallas, is no longer in Georgia and is possibly hiding out in New York. Detectives are currently working with the United States Marshals Office Fugitive Task Force to locate Wilson, who is charged with two counts each of felony murder and aggravated assault.

"There are connections that directed us to that area, but the Marshals Office is taking it from here because of their resources out of state," the chief told Patch.

A total of four people have been arrested in connection to the case: Jeremy Ulysses Zellous, 29, who is charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, making false statements and tampering with evidence; Temarlos Marquarous Turner, 22, and 23-year-old Brody Austin Samples, who are each facing two counts each of felony murder and aggravated assault; and 35-year-old Joseph C. Goldback Jr. of Jasper, who is charged with obstruction of an officer.

The June 25 shooting along Crisler Street near Jefferson Circle resulted in the deaths of William Kendrick Randall, 23, of Canton and 26-year-old Tony Samples of Ball Ground. Canton police have previously said the shooting was not a random act and took place following an altercation between two opposing groups.

The exact motive in the case remains unknown, however, and officers continue to patrol the area "in an effort to ensure the safety and security of the neighborhood’s residents and those who attend the three churches in the community," the police department previously said.

Overall, Mitchell said investigators believe their progress in the case is "going very well, with the possibility of more arrests in the future."

In the meantime, police continue their multi-year efforts to build relationships with citizens by hosting community meetings, events, and rolling out patrols to create bonds with the citizens who live in this area of the city. Additional patrols and discussions with residents in the vicinity of Crisler Street and Jefferson Circle, Mitchell added, have "continued our mission of building more trust and confidence with our community since the homicides."

"Our response has not been a knee-jerk reaction to this violent crime, but an ongoing process to break down barriers," he added.

However, more work needs to be done, and Mitchell notes some of those plans call for organizing a community cookout and a walk against violence that will be scheduled in the next month.

Anyone with additional details about the shooting is asked to call 9-1-1 or the department's main number at 770-720-4883.

Photo: Akilee Zakee Wilson. Image via Canton Police Department