UPDATE: Suspects connected to 15-year-old boy's death in Valdosta in custody

UPDATE MAY 23:

Valdosta Police said all 3 subjects wanted for murder are in custody.

On May 22, 2024, at approximately 6:30 pm., detectives received information that all three offenders were possibly in an apartment in the 800 block of West Mary Street. Members of our department, with the assistance of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, located Bolden and Hester inside an apartment and they were taken into custody without incident.

On May 23, 2024, at approximately 7:00 am., Valdosta Police Department Detectives received information that Wimbush had turned himself in at Lowndes County Jail.

This investigation is still ongoing and further charges may be pending.

“We are grateful for the assistance from the Tifton Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Ocilla Police Department, Irwin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, throughout the investigation. The teamwork between these agencies has been incredible, and an example of how we all work together to ensure we get dangerous offenders out of our communities. I am continuously proud of the non-stop work of our detectives to conduct thorough investigations for our victims.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan.

The investigation is still ongoing and further charges are pending.

UPDATE MAY 21:

Valdosta Police said on May 20, 2024, detectives obtained arrest warrants for three individuals who have been identified in connection to this homicide. The following individuals are currently wanted for felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony:

• Jamar Rashad Wimbush, 17 years of age, Valdosta resident
• Tyrell Bolden, 17 years of age, Valdosta resident
• Lutravis Hester, 16 years of age, Valdosta resident

If anyone is found to be assisting these wanted individuals, they will be charged with hindering the apprehension of a criminal.

All three individuals should be considered armed and dangerous. Please call 911 if you see them or know their location.

The investigation is still ongoing and further charges are pending.

ORIGINAL STORY:

• A 15-year-old boy is dead following a Saturday night shooting in Valdosta.
• Police said the shooting was an isolated incident.
• Read the news release below to see how you can help.

VPD NEWS RELEASE:

On May 18, 2024, at approximately 11:48 p.m., Valdosta Police Officers responded to a parking lot at Scott Park, 1101 block of Old Statenville Road, after a citizen called E911 to report a shooting.

When officers arrived, they located an unresponsive 15-year-old male lying alone in the parking lot with apparent gunshot wounds. Officers attempted life-saving measures until Emergency Medical Services arrived.

The juvenile was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded and are conducting the investigation, which is still ongoing.

Investigation has revealed that this is an isolated incident.

“My heart breaks for the family and friends of this young male, who was taken from his family at such a young age. Unfortunately, they were alerted to the death of their loved one through social media. Before law enforcement can make notifications to a family, we have processes that we must follow, along with providing resources to assist these families. The insensitivity of someone posting a tragic situation that affects others is unexplainable.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan.

This investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.

If anyone has any further information on this case or any other cases, please contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.