AMERICUS, Ga. (WALB) - 19-year-old Jotavis Leverette was shot and killed at Eastview Apartments on Feb. 8, 2025. Leverette’s mother, Jessica Leverette, says there are so many things that could have been done differently to protect her son and five-year-old Peyton Roberts.

“They could’ve called me. I would’ve come and got my baby every time, and my son would still be alive,” Leverette said.

Jotavis Leverette died Monday at Phoebe Sumter hospital after being shot in the head. Jessica Leverette says a party was being held that night when an argument started between her son and 19-year-old Ricky Martin.

“They were like ‘They’re shooting, somebody’s shooting,‘” Jessica Leverette said. “I came over here not knowing that it was my son that got shot.”

Jotavis Leverette and 5-year-old Peyton Roberts were two of the three victims that died from their injuries. This mother says this shooting could’ve been avoided.

“During the arguing and stuff, I think the police should’ve been called. It should not take shots to be fired for the police to be called. That’s crazy,” Jessica Leverette said.

Leverette calls her son an outgoing young man with so much potential, and at this moment, she’s numb.

“My baby’s gone. I don’t have any feelings. Maybe it’ll come within time, but right now, I don’t have any feelings. They just didn’t have to do it,” she said.

Ricky Martin is charged with one count of felony murder, one count of aggravated assault and one count of aggravated battery.

The GBI says more charges are anticipated. At this time Martin is being held at the Sumter County jail.

The Leverette family has a Go Fund Me account to support funeral expenses. If you would like to donate, click here.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.