On the evening of Monday, June 24, 2024, 14-year-old Marcaulen Downs was shot on Frank Road in Ocilla, Georgia. He was taken to Irwin County Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The Ocilla Police Department asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to assist with the probe.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of 16-year-old Earl Wilcox III of Ocilla. Wilcox is charged with one count of Felony Murder and one count of Aggravated Assault and is being held at a Regional Youth Detention Center. Local officials said the two teenagers were friends.

The GBI is actively investigating and seeking tips, and the matter will be referred to the Tift Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office when the probe is complete. If anyone knew Marcaulen or has information about what happened on Frank Road that evening, please come forward.