The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested Lenton OBryant Jones, 37, on multiple charges in connection with the shooting death of Detrenell Michelle Downing, 31, in Dublin, GA. Jones faces accusations of Malice Murder, two counts of Cruelty to Children in the 1st Degree, one count of Aggravated Assault, and one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
According to a press release by the GBI, the Dublin Police Department responded to a call at the Hillcrest Apartment Complex last Friday morning after Downing was found shot in the parking lot where she lived. The GBI was requested to assist with the death investigation shortly before 6:00 a.m. that same day.
The investigation pointed to Jones, Downing's ex-boyfriend, as the perpetrator of the fatal confrontation. It is reported that Downing was shot by Jones outside of her apartment following a confrontation in the parking lot. Jones turned himself in to the authorities on March 10 and is currently being held at the Laurens County Detention Center.
Downing's body has been transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy will be conducted. The investigation remains active and those with any information are encouraged to reach out to the GBI regional office in Eastman at 478-374-6988 or the Dublin Police Department at 478-275-0803. Tips can also be anonymously submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online, or through the "See Something, Send Something" mobile app.
The case, once concluded, will be handed over to the Dublin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office to proceed with prosecution. As the GBI continues their work, the community remains shaken by the incident that ruptured the early morning calm of Hillcrest Drive. The Dublin Police Department and the GBI are both urging anyone with further details to step forward and help bring resolution to this case.
