LAGRANGE, GA — A night of terror has left one young man dead and six others wounded after a mass shooting rocked the LaGrange community early Sunday morning. The gunfire erupted around 1:00 a.m. on June 8 at 105 Seminary Street, where officers rushed after receiving multiple 911 calls about shots being fired. What they found was a chaotic scene that has left the city in mourning.
Police arrived to discover seven people suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical teams quickly responded, treating the victims on-site before transporting them to WellStar West Georgia Medical Center. Tragically, 19-year-old Javen Dukes succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The six surviving victims—Montija Hand, Aja Pruitt, Jerdarious Blackmon, Shakayla Cofield, Titus Dunlap, and Ayonna Leonard—were treated for varying injuries. Some have since been released, while others remain in serious condition.
As detectives work to piece together the details, the motive behind the shooting is still unknown. No arrests have been made, and the LaGrange Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the case. Officers are interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and asking the public for help. “This kind of violence shakes our entire community,” said a police spokesperson. “We urge anyone with information to come forward and help us bring justice to the victims.”
Authorities are stressing the importance of public assistance. They have set up several ways for people to share tips, including calling Detective Randazzo at 706-883-2684 or using the anonymous Tip411 system. Police emphasize that even the smallest piece of information could be critical in solving this case and making an arrest.
The community around Seminary Street is reeling. Many residents were startled awake by the sound of gunshots and are now grappling with fear and sadness. Local churches and community leaders are stepping up to offer support and call for peace. Candlelight vigils and prayer meetings are already being planned in honor of Dukes and the wounded victims.
This latest act of violence has been added to the city’s Gunshot and Murder Map, a growing record of deadly incidents in the area. As the investigation continues, police are asking residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity. For now, the LaGrange community mourns another life lost far too soon.
