Tifton, Tift County, GA (September 4, 2026) – The GBI has arrested and charged Javious Taylor, age 21, of Tifton, GA, with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime in connection with the death of Michael Benefield, age 23, of Tifton, GA, on August 29, 2026. The Tifton Police Department (TPD) requested the GBI to assist with the death investigation.

Preliminary information indicates that on August 29, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Tift County 911 received a shots-fired call from the area of Wildwood Apartments and the 1100 block of Milton Drive in Tifton, GA. When TPD officers arrived on scene, they discovered Benefield with an apparent gunshot wound. Benefield was pronounced deceased on scene.

A man and a woman were also injured during the incident and transported to a local hospital where they were treated and released.

Benefield’s body was taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office, where an autopsy was conducted.

Taylor was arrested on September 3, 2026, and booked into the Tifton County Jail.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080 or the TIfton Police Department at 229-382-3132. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Tift Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Contact

Special Agent in Charge Kim Baker

[email protected]