Sparta, GA (September 10, 2020) – On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, the GBI arrested Shimu Arkevious Donte Bryant, 22, of Sparta, and charged him with aggravated assault. On Sunday, September 6, 2020, the GBI arrested a 15-year-old juvenile and charged the juvenile with aggravated assault. Also arrested on Sunday were Tiffany Barfield, 31, and Tiare El Chambers, 31, both of Gordon, GA, charged with giving false statements.

On Sunday, September 6, 2020, the GBI was requested by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office to assist with the shooting investigation of multiple people that resulted in one death. At approximately 1:47 a.m., a 911 call was received by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office in reference to shots fired at the intersection of Faye and Lee Streets in Sparta, GA. Sparta Police Department officers and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene. The initial information was that three people were shot. However, it was later determined that four others had been driven to the hospital in personal vehicles, for a total of seven people shot. 

Sabreal Meshae Taylor, 33, of Sparta, was shot and killed at the scene. Taylor’s body was transported to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy. The six other gunshot victims that were taken to the hospital either by ambulance or in personal vehicles are identified as Johnny Chapple, 35, of Milledgeville, Shanerica Chester, 28, of Milledgeville, Thomas Womble, Jr., 29, of Sparta, Ga’Keylo Gaynor, 24, of Tennille, Ramon Lewis, 37, of Covington, and Catavius Reeves, 29, of Milledgeville. Reeves remains in critical condition.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting investigation is asked to call the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office at 706-444-7471 or the GBI at 478-445-4173. The GBI investigation remains active and ongoing. Once complete, it will be turned over to the Hancock County District Attorney for prosecution.

Contact

SAC Mary Chandler

[email protected]