LaGrange police say they have now arrested a second 16-year-old in connection with a February shooting at the Tall Pines apartment complex that left a Columbus man dead. The latest arrest, announced Monday, is the newest turn in a case that began in early February when officers first responded to reports of gunfire at the complex. Both teens are being charged as adults, according to authorities, but are currently being held in a youth detention facility.
Officers were called to the Tall Pines Apartments on Turner Street at about 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 3 after reports of shots fired. When they arrived, they found Marshawn Bailey with a gunshot wound. Emergency crews provided aid and took Bailey to a medical center in Columbus, where he later died from his injuries. The LaGrange Criminal Investigations Division opened an investigation into the killing, according to WTVM.
On Monday, investigators announced that 16-year-old Tray Holt had been arrested on charges of felony murder and conspiracy to commit armed robbery in connection with the shooting. Police said Holt, like the earlier suspect, is being charged as an adult but is being held in a youth detention facility while the case moves forward. The update was reported by Atlanta News First.
The first teen arrested in the case, 16-year-old Tavarion Henry, was taken into custody the night of the shooting. He was charged with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of certain crimes. Henry was arrested at about 7 p.m. on Feb. 3 and, because of his age, was transported to a youth detention facility, as reported by WTVM.
Investigators have asked anyone with information about the case to contact Detective K. Scott at 706-883-2620. Those who want to remain anonymous can submit tips through the Tip411 system by texting the keyword LAGRANGE to 847411. The Tip411 details and contact information were included in the police update reported by Atlanta News First.
How Georgia Treats Juvenile Defendants in Serious Cases
Georgia law allows prosecutors to seek adult charges for juveniles accused of serious felonies such as murder, with statutory procedures and court decisions guiding how and when a case can be transferred. One key statute, O.C.G.A. § 17-7-50.1, sets deadlines for presenting a detained child's case to a grand jury, which can influence whether the case stays in superior court or returns to juvenile court, according to legal summaries. For more on the statute and related rulings, see Justia's summary of O.C.G.A. § 17-7-50.1.
What's Next
The LaGrange Police Department says the investigation is still active, and prosecutors will determine the formal filings and upcoming court dates as the case progresses. For now, both teens remain in custody in a youth facility while they are processed through the juvenile and adult court systems, with additional details expected as investigators and prosecutors release them.
