The LaGrange Police Department is investigating a Saturday night homicide that occurred after a man tried to give two others a ride.

According to a LPD press release, officers responded to the WellStar West Georgia Medical Center emergency room at 8:20 p.m. in reference to a person shot. The investigation revealed that 24-year-old James Jake Ponder and a friend gave two unknown suspects a ride in the area of Troup Street Saturday night.

According to the press release, the two men who had just gotten into the car attempted to rob Ponder. During the robbery, Ponder was shot and the suspects exited the vehicle and ran away.

The friend in the car with Ponder drove to the emergency room, but once there Ponder died of his injuries.

The suspects were described as black males. Sgt. William Nelson with the LPD said they have identified persons of interest in the case. 

“Our state certified crime scene tech spent an exorbitant amount of time going through the vehicle with a fine-tooth comb, and we have located some evidence that we believe will be very positive in helping us move forward,” Nelson said.  

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the LaGrange Department at (706) 833-2603 or Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706) 812-1000. Tips can also be submitted through the LaGrange Police Department’s Facebook page.

“We are still asking anyone in the community that may have any knowledge of this to reach out to us through our Facebook page, through our Troup County Crime Stoppers where they can call us directly,” Nelson said.