Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Bradfield M. Shealy, with the assistance of the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, announced the indictment of Lavernous Arnold (aka “Gunna”), 22, of Quitman, in connection with the July 4, 2025, shooting in Remerton, Georgia, which resulted in the death of 16-year-old Jay’Kavion Gary.
As asserted in the indictment, Arnold is a member of Sex Money Murder, a national set of Bloods that has a strong presence throughout the state.
The incident took place around a strip of bars along Baytree Place. Prosecutors are working 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.
Specifically, 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
“We are grateful for the partnership my office has with Attorney General Chris Carr and the Gang Prosecution Unit,” said Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Bradfield M. Shealy. “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.”
This case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), with assistance from the Remerton Police Department, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Valdosta Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit.
“Gangs bring violence and destruction to our streets, stealing the sense of safety that every community deserves,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “The loss of a 16-year-old life is devastating. This indictment is an important step toward justice for the victim and their family. We will continue to work alongside the Georgia Attorney General’s Office and our other law enforcement partners to hold those who choose violence and criminal activity accountable.”
