Americus Police release new details on fatal drive-by shooting

AMERICUS, Ga. – On October 8th, while responding to a shots fired complaint in the Crawford Street-Douglas Drive area, Americus Police Officers witnessed three juveniles fire shots and get into a vehicle. The vehicle was stopped by APD but the suspects fled on foot. They were later identified and detained.

Around this same time, officers were dispatched to a shooting on Oglethorpe Avenue where 18-year old James Wilson had been shot. He was taken by GoldStar to PSMC and later transferred to a Macon Trauma Center. Saturday October 19th, Investigators were notified he had passed away from his wounds.

Two juveniles, age 16 and a 15-year old juvenile have been charged with 2-counts each of Aggravated Assault; Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime; and Possession of Firearm by a Minor. In addition, 42-year old Martel Marquis Smith has been charged with fleeing/attempting to elude law enforcement and 1-count of drive-by shooting. These charges will now be upgraded to Homicide.

Anyone who has additional information related to this investigation is asked to call the Americus Police Department at 229-924-3677 or after business hours at 229-937-9011.

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