By Robin Jedlicka - bio | email
VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) - Valdosta Police are releasing new details about a weekend murder.
One man was shot to death early Sunday at Stone Creek Apartments, and another was seriously wounded.
When neighbors heard shots early Sunday morning, murder was the last thing on their minds.
"We thought it was fireworks when we heard the shots going off," says Brandon Dean, who lives in the Stone Creek complex. "Fourth of July--you know--that's what we all thought it was."
But murder was exactly what had happened.
Someone shot Jermaine Mitchell to death inside his burgundy SUV, parked outside Building F on Joree Street. Desmond Jones was also shot multiple times, but managed to crawl out of the vehicle to a nearby cul-de-sac as police arrived.
"There were about 12 or 13 cop cars," says Dean. "There was a body still left on the ground, and they left a big blood spot from when the guy tried to make it out of the truck."
Jones was transported to South Georgia Medical Center.
"He was in pretty bad condition. We keep our prayers for him," Dean adds.
Police say the 4th of July is a night notorious for violence with weapons being fired and fireworks going off. The fact that this was a double shooting makes police believe an ulterior motive may have been involved.
Investigators spent hours combing the scene for evidence.
"We canvassed the neighborhood, and spoke to a number of witnesses who were able to provide us with some information," says Commander Eugene Bell of the Valdosta Police Department.
While police are following up on multiple leads, no arrests have been made.
"We're still working it," says Bell. "We're looking for anyone who may be able to give us any information concerning the homicide and the shooting of the other victim."
Doctors at South Georgia Medical Center expect Desmond Jones to recover from his wounds, and police say they will work tirelessly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Anyone with information can leave an anonymous tip by calling the crime tip line at 229-293-3091. This shooting is the second murder in Valdosta this year.
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