LaGrange Police seek public’s help after fatal Seminary Street shooting
The LaGrange Police Department is asking for the community’s help as detectives continue to investigate a deadly shooting that left one young man dead and six others injured early Sunday morning.
The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. on June 8, 2025, when officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 100 block of Seminary Street. Upon arrival, police found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. All seven victims were rushed to WellStar West Georgia Medical Center by emergency responders.
Image: BEETV
Tragically, 19-year-old Javeon Dukes (pictured above) succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The six other victims, identified as Montija Hand, Aja Pruitt, Jerdarious Blackmon, Shakayla Cofield, Titus Dunlap, and Ayonna Leonard, received various levels of treatment. Some have since been released, while others remain hospitalized.
“This is not just another case number,” said a spokesperson from the LaGrange Police Department. “This is about a real person—a teenager—whose life was unjustly taken. We’re doing everything we can to find out who is responsible, but we need the community’s help.”
The department is urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious between 12:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. in or near Seminary Street to come forward. Investigators stress that no piece of information is too minor.
“Even something that may seem insignificant could be the missing piece that helps bring justice to the victim and closure to his family,” the spokesperson added. “If you were in the area, have surveillance footage, dashcam video, or simply heard something that didn’t seem right—please reach out. You can remain anonymous.”
Police have not released information about possible suspects or motives, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear.
Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 706-812-1000. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
“This community is hurting,” the department said. “Let’s stand together and do the right thing—for Javeon and for the others whose lives have been forever changed.”
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