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REMERTON, Ga. (WALB) — Twenty-two-year-old Lavernous Arnold, aka “Gunna” of Quitman has been indicted in connection with the July 4, 2025, shooting death of 16-year-old Jay’Kavion Gary in Remerton.

On Aug. 26, 2026, the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit presented evidence to a Lowndes County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment Arnold.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Bradfield M. Shealy said Arnold is a member of Sex Money Murder, a national set of Bloods that has a strong presence throughout the state.

Following the shooting on July 4, WALB reported that the City of Remerton temporarily amended the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance, requiring bars to close by midnight for 30 days, July 10th through August 10th. In August 2025, the city council voted to permanently change the bars closing to 1 a.m., which is a compromise from the previous 2 a.m. closing time and the temporary midnight closing time.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Remerton police 5-month review of bar closing time, following violent crimes near the strip <<

The incident took place near a strip of bars along Baytree Place. Attorney General Chris Carr’s Gang Prosecution Unit is currently working with the District Attorney’s Office to prosecute several other cases involving fatal shootings in the same location. This includes the deaths of 21-year-old Brianna Long, 20-year-old Jastain Darrisaw, and 31-year-old Lajoespet Wells.

“The violence that’s taken place in Remerton is absolutely unacceptable, and we’re going after those responsible,” Carr said in a statement. “This is exactly why we created our Gang Prosecution Unit, so we could work with District Attorneys and all levels of law enforcement to keep Georgians safe. We won’t rest in our pursuit of justice, and if you’re engaged in violent gang activity anywhere in this state, we’re coming for you.”

“We are grateful for the partnership my office has with Attorney General Chris Carr and the Gang Prosecution Unit,” Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Bradfield M. Shealy said in a statement. “The violence in our community must stop and we must recognize the reality that criminal street gangs have directly affected our community these last few years. I am pleased with the efforts of GBI Region 9 because of their tireless efforts in investigating these complex cases. My office will continue to work closely with the Gang Prosecution Unit in investigating violent gangs and prosecuting those who terrorize our community.”

Arnold is facing the following charges.

• 1 count of Malice Murder
• 2 counts of Felony Murder
• 4 counts of Aggravated Assault
• 4 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
• 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• 1 count of Possession of a Firearm by a First Offender Probationer
• 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon During a Crime

You can read the full indictment:

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