LAGRANGE, GA — In the early hours of Sunday morning, a violent shooting erupted at 105 Seminary Street, leaving one young man dead and six others injured in a disturbing act of gun violence that has shaken the LaGrange community.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. on June 8, 2025, officers from the LaGrange Police Department (LPD) were dispatched to Seminary Street following multiple emergency calls reporting gunfire. Upon arrival, officers encountered a chaotic scene where seven individuals had sustained gunshot wounds in what appears to be a targeted or escalated violent incident.
Emergency medical teams responded swiftly, providing on-site aid before transporting all seven victims to WellStar West Georgia Medical Center. Tragically, 19-year-old Javeon Dukes succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival and was pronounced dead by hospital staff. The six surviving victims—identified as Montija Hand, Aja Pruitt, Jerdarious Blackmon, Shakayla Cofield, Titus Dunlap, and Ayonna Leonard—suffered varying degrees of injury. While several have since been treated and released, others remain under medical care with their conditions being closely monitored.
The LaGrange Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident. At this time, no suspects have been identified, and the motive remains unclear. Investigators are actively interviewing witnesses, collecting forensic evidence, and canvassing the surrounding area for surveillance footage and additional leads.
“This level of violence is deeply troubling,” said a spokesperson from the LPD. “Our priority right now is to ensure the remaining victims receive the care they need and to bring justice to the family of Mr. Dukes.”
Authorities are urging members of the public who may have been in the vicinity of Seminary Street during the time of the incident, or who may have knowledge that could aid in the investigation, to come forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Randazzo at 706-883-2684.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Tip411 system by using the mobile app, visiting the online portal, or texting the keyword LAGRANGE to 847411.