On the late morning of September 18, 2022, gunfire was reported on the 1300 block of Ponderosa Drive in Valdosta, Georgia. Officers arriving at the scene found 15-year-old Jaybrie Hampton suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite first aid and transport to South Georgia Medical Center by EMS, Jaybrie died of his injuries. He was an African American student at Valdosta High School described by acquaintances as loving and full of joy and laughter.

Valdosta Police detectives identified a suspect quickly and obtained arrest warrants the same day for a 16-year-old male juvenile. On the evening of September 19, 2022, officers took the 16-year-old into custody without incident. He was detained at a Regional Youth Detention Center and charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a handgun by a person under 18; authorities said additional charges could be pending. The Valdosta Police Chief expressed condolences to Jaybrie’s family and called the shooting a senseless act of violence.

Does anyone have information about Jaybrie, the neighborhood, or what led to the shooting?