LaGrange police say a late-night confrontation on Dix Street turned deadly Monday, ending with a 29-year-old man mortally wounded in the roadway and a local woman charged with murder. The victim, identified as Keontavious Bailey, was rushed to a hospital after officers found him unresponsive. He later died from his injuries. The alleged shooter, 29-year-old Telneschia Jones, was arrested and booked into the Troup County Jail on murder and firearms charges, according to investigators.
Scene and response
Officers with the LaGrange Police Department were called to the 300 block of Dix Street around 10:40 p.m. on June 1 after reports that someone had been shot. When they arrived, they found Bailey lying unresponsive in the roadway. Crews from the LaGrange Fire Department and Troup AMR began life-saving efforts and transported him to a local hospital, where he later died, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Arrest and charges
The Criminal Investigations Division of the LaGrange Police Department reports that Bailey and a woman later identified as Jones were involved in a physical fight in the roadway shortly before the shooting. Investigators say Jones pulled a gun and fired, hitting Bailey. She was taken into custody, transported to the Troup County Jail, and charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, as reported by WTVM.
Investigation and how to help
Detectives say the case is still very much active as they process evidence from the scene and continue interviewing witnesses. Anyone who may have seen or heard anything is urged to contact Detective Ligon at 706-883-2620 or submit an anonymous tip through Tip411 by texting the keyword LAGRANGE to 847411, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Local context
This latest homicide comes on the heels of a rough stretch for LaGrange, with city leaders already voicing concern this spring about rising violence. Earlier in the year, an apartment shooting left a man dead, and police later arrested teenagers in connection with the Tall Pines Apartments killing, as reported in coverage of a second teen in deadly apartment shooting. Around the same time, city officials held a public briefing urging residents to share information with investigators as they worked several violent cases, according to Atlanta News First.
Legal notes
Jones is facing serious felony charges that could bring substantial prison time if she is convicted. For now, those counts remain allegations while the case moves through the legal system. Prosecutors will determine the formal charges and upcoming court schedule. The LaGrange Police Department says its investigation is ongoing, according to WTVM. As with any criminal case, Jones is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Police say more information will be released when it becomes available and continue to ask anyone with details about the shooting to come forward. We will update this story as new information is released.
