GBI and Cairo Police make arrest in murder investigation, victim now identified

Jaylin Evans is the identified victim in this case, born in May of 2005. Cotton has been charged with Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.

CAIRO, Ga. – On Monday, August 1, 2023, about 12:30 a.m., Cairo Police requested the assistance of the GBI with a murder that took place on 3rd Ave. SW and Lewis St. SW in Cairo, Georgia. Upon arrival, Cairo Police discovered a male that had been shot who was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his wounds. Agents and a Crime Scene Specialist arrived and began conducting an investigation and processing the scene for any evidence.

Jaylin Evans is the identified victim in this case, born in May of 2005.

Agents and Cairo Police identified and arrested Jakavian Jamel Cotton, 17 years old as the alleged shooter. Cotton was arrested at his residence on Hunter Ave. in Cairo, Georgia about 1:52 a.m. earlier this morning. Cotton has been charged with Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. Additional charges are expected in this case against Cotton as the investigation progresses. Cotton was taken to the Grady County Jail where he was booked and will be processed on the warrants. The 18-year-old victim will be sent to the GBI Crime Lab tentatively tomorrow for an autopsy to be performed.

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