JaVuntae Markel Vaughn was 17 when he was killed by gunfire on May 6, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. Known as Hyphen to family and friends, he was a 2024 graduate of A.Z. Kelsey Academy in Griffin-Spalding County and had plans to attend Alabama State University and enlist in the United States Navy. He enjoyed baseball, cooking, shopping, and time with his siblings and friends, and is remembered for his charm, humility, and bright smile.

The shooting occurred near the Georgia Tech campus on Marietta Street NW; JaVuntae was found deceased in an apartment breezeway and another person was critically wounded. As of late January 2026, police had not publicly identified any suspects and the investigation remained open.

If anyone saw activity near that apartment breezeway on May 6, 2024, or has information that could help investigators, please come forward.