The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken into custody Justin Cleveland, a 15-year-old teen from Elberton, following an incident that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Dontavius Marable. In a press release on the GBI's official website, authorities detailed the charges against Cleveland, including Malice Murder and Felony Murder stemming from a confrontation at a local McDonald’s on Tuesday.
According to the GBI press release, the incident unfolded at approximately 10:15 PM at the fast-food restaurant located at 300 Elbert Street. It was there that Cleveland is alleged to have pointed a handgun at Marable and subsequently shot him. The altercation ultimately led to Marable succumbing to his wounds. After the incident, Cleveland was booked into the Wilkes Regional Youth Detention Center and is now being charged as an adult, with anticipation of further charges to materialize.
The ongoing investigation is a collaborative effort between the Elberton Police Department and the GBI. Marable’s body has been designated to be examined at the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office as part of the ongoing investigative measures. Authorities are reaching out to the community for any additional information that might aid in the case. The public is encouraged to come forward with any relevant tips by contacting the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Athens or the Elberton Police Department.
Those wishing to provide information anonymously can to do so by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), submitting details online, or through the "See Something, Send Something" mobile application. Once the investigation has concluded, the case file is set to be handed over to the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, who will then be responsible for prosecuting the case.
