Murder suspect turns himself into police

Published 6:23 pm Tuesday, March 5, 2019

A murder suspect turned himself into the LaGrange Police Department on Tuesday.

Omare Atcherson of LaGrange was charged with murder, aggravated assault, criminal attempt armed robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of certain crimes and participation in criminal street gang activity. He was wanted in connection to the murder of James Jake Ponder on Feb. 9.

A second suspect, 17-year-old Travis McFarland of LaGrange, was arrested by the LaGrange Police Department on Friday. McFarland was charged with murder, aggravated assault, criminal attempt armed robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of certain crimes and participation in criminal street gang activity.

According to information from the LPD, Ponder had communicated with individuals regarding the purchase of a firearm on the night of the incident and was on Troup Street to complete and make the purchase. Instead, he was shot and killed.