Update -

On Friday January 5, 2018, Akeem Ajima Lanier, 29, was arrested without incident at 373 N Leroy St. Metter, Georgia, by the USMS Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force along with the Metter Police Department, Candler County Sherriff’s Office, and the Bulloch County Sherriff’s Office. During his arrest, narcotics and a firearm were also located inside the residence. The GBI Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office is assisting with this portion of the investigation. Lanier was wanted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for numerous felony charges including Murder. These charges stemmed from an incident that occurred in Metter, Georgia on November 11, 2017.

Metter, Georgia – On Saturday, November 11, 2017, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) responded to a homicide in Metter at the request of the Metter Police Department.

Preliminary information from law enforcement indicates that at approximately 12:30 AM, the Metter Police Department was dispatched to a call regarding an individual being shot at 820 Hodges Street in Metter.  When officers arrived on scene, they found James Edward Butler Jr., 27, was a victim of the shooting.  Butler died at the scene.  Another individual, Byron Brown, 28, was also shot and he was air-lifted to Savannah for medical treatment.  An autopsy for Butler Jr. will be performed at the GBI Crime Lab in Savannah.  The GBI and Metter Police Department are actively investigating these events and are pursuing leads.

The GBI is asking for anyone with information about this investigation to please contact the GBI at (912) 871-1121 or the Metter Police Department at (912) 685-5437.

Josh Ayer – Assistant Special Agent in Charge | Statesboro | [email protected]