August 28, 2026
AG Carr and DA Shealy Secure New Indictment for Death of 16-Year-Old in Remerton
LOWNDES COUNTY, GA – Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Bradfield M. Shealy today 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. Carr’s Gang Prosecution Unit is currently working with the District Attorney’s Office 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.
“The violence that’s taken place in Remerton is absolutely unacceptable, and we’re going after those responsible,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “This is exactly why we created our Gang Prosecution Unit, so we could work with District Attorneys and all levels of law enforcement to keep Georgians safe. We won’t rest in our pursuit of justice, and if you’re engaged in violent gang activity anywhere in this state, we’re coming for you.”
“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.”
Lowndes County Indictment
On Aug. 26, 2026, the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit presented evidence to a Lowndes County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment* of Lavernous Arnold.
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
Read a copy of the indictment . No further information about the investigation or the indictment may be released at this time by the Attorney General’s Office.
About the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit
In 2022, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Chris Carr created Georgia’s first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit.
Since it began its historic work on July 1, 2022, the Gang Prosecution Unit has investigated and prosecuted cases in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Bibb, Bryan, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Dougherty, Fulton, Gwinnett, Laurens, Lowndes, Muscogee, Richmond, Spalding, Thomas, Upson and Washington counties, with more than 140 convictions secured across the state.
Carr’s Gang Prosecution Unit is based in Atlanta, with regional, satellite prosecutors and investigators in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah and Southeast Georgia.
The Gang Prosecution Unit is housed in the Attorney General’s Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, his White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit, and his Organized Retail Crime Unit.
*Members of the public should keep in mind that indictments contain only allegations against the individual against whom the indictment is sought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it will be the government’s burden at trial to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations contained in the indictment.