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LaGrange Police are still actively investigating a deadly mass shooting that killed a teen and hurt six others over the weekend. 

The deadly shooting occurred sometime after 12:30 a.m. during a backyard party on Seminary Street. Witnesses say the shots were heard coming from a wooded area behind the home.

The murder victim was former Granger, 19-year-old Javeon Dukes. Six others were shot, with ages ranging from 16 to 21.

Dukes’ cousin, Nykeria Boddie, was at the party when the deadly shooting occurred but did not see the assailant. Boddie said they were behind the home listening to music when multiple shots rang out, and she and others fled to the front yard.

Boddie described Dukes as someone who would “lighten up your day if you were down.”

“Everybody was having a good time. [There were] no bad vibes. Whoever did it, we just want justice,” she said. “He wasn’t [a] guy that was out in the street. He went to work, he did his school, and then came home to take care of his younger siblings, help his mom and dad when they needed him.”

On Monday, the City of LaGrange hosted a press conference to provide an update on the shooting and asked for help from the public in identifying the killer.

“Our hearts are hurting today,” Mayor Arrington said. “This should never have happened. The violence we witnessed is absolutely senseless. It’s shaken our community, and it must stop.”

LPD Major Dale Strickland stated the gathering stemmed from a party of more than 100 people at a lake access off of Cameron Mill Road. Sheriff’s deputies were called to complaints at the party and broke it up. The group then reportedly migrated to Granger Park.

LPD officers were already conducting a crime suppression detail at the time and began to assist with the crowd at Granger Park.

“It’s a large park where people often congregate. We noticed almost immediately that parts of the group that left the lake had come there and began congregating,” Stickland said, saying the group was then dispersed again.

The group then continued to migrate, next at the Remy Apartments on Commerce Avenue and then at the Jones Street Park, where they were asked to leave due to loud music.

Around midnight, LPD began observing a large number of cars congregating around Hill Street and Seminary Street, and officers spoke with individuals about blocking Seminary Street. Police also spoke with a homeowner on Seminary Street who complained about a loud party.

Officers then addressed the noise issues and parking issues, along with others drinking alcohol in the street.

 When everything seemed under control, officers left Seminary Street, but remained in the general area. Minutes later, a patrolling officer reported hearing gunshots from the area, and almost immediately, a 911 call was received about a shooting.

Officers were patrolling in the area and were well aware of the party, but Strickland said they couldn’t predict the shooting.

“There’s no way for our officers to predict there would be a shooting there. They were trying to ensure folks had a good time but didn’t commit crimes,” Strickland said. “We had as many as 15 officers working that night. That’s at least five to seven more officers we have normally working, as we were running a crime suppression unit to address this type of deal.”

Police are still actively looking to identify the suspect(s) and any possible motive. At least seven were shot, so it’s clear that many shots were fired, but police are unsure if there were multiple shooters. 

Strickland said there was no evidence indicating that any of the victims shot back at the assailants.

According to Strickland, one of the other victims is in critical condition, and the others are expected to recover.

During the council work session on Tuesday, council members Leon Childs and Nathan Gaskins questioned not bringing in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to help with the case and identify the shooter(s).

“What occurred this past weekend was nothing less than a mass shooting. Absolutely, unequivocally, no doubt, had it happened in a white neighborhood, there would have been resources dumped down here like never before. This is not an average everyday thing,” Gaskin said, demanding that more be done.

Strickland said that LPD has the resources to investigate the incident, but said they will ask the GBI for help when needed. Right now, police are asking witnesses to step forward.

Police are urging anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious between 12:30 and 1 a.m. on Saturday night to come forward. Witnesses can remain anonymous by calling the Troup County CrimeStoppers at (706) 812-1000 or via the Tip411 mobile app, or by texting keyword LAGRANGE to 847411. 

“No detail is too small. Even something that may seem insignificant could be the missing piece that helps bring justice to the victim and closure to the family. If you were in the area, have surveillance footage, dashcam video, or heard something relevant—please reach out. You can remain anonymous. We need your help,” LPD said in a press release. “This is not just a case number – it’s about a real person, whose life was unjustly taken. Help us give this family the answers they deserve.”

A balloon release and candlelight vigil in Dukes’ honor is planned at Granger Park on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.