Butts County Sheriff: 2 arrests made in deadly shooting at graduation party
BUTTS COUNTY, Ga. - Two teenagers are behind bars and accused in the shooting death of a Griffin High School student at a graduation party over the weekend, according to authorities.
Butts County Sheriff Gary Long said Monday Gemarius “Gee” Oneal, of Griffin, and Christopher “Ray Ray” Walker, of Flovilla, both 19, turned themselves in Sunday night. Long said they are being charged with murder, aggravated assault and possession of firearm during the commission of a crime.
Deputies said Cederrius Hastings, 16, died after a drive-by shooting at a graduation celebration at a home on Levi Barnes Road. Three other teenagers were injured, but are expected to survive.
Long said, after more witness statements, the shooting likely stemmed from an argument between athletes from rival schools, Jackson and Griffin High Schools. Long went on to explain it was not gang related. However, more than 25 shots were fired and Hastings was caught in the crossfire. Long added people talked on social media before the party about a fight that would take place there between the rival groups. He expects more people to be charged.
At a vigil Monday night, relatives and friends of Hastings urged everyone to stop the violence and to not retaliate.