Man charged with murder after LaGrange police discover false witness claims
Randy Orlanda Johnson Jr. booking photo (Credit: Troup County Sheriff's Office)
LAGRANGE, Ga. - LaGrange investigators have charged a man with murder after they discovered a witness provided false information to police and charged the wrong woman in connection with the death of Keontavious Bailey.
Authorities dropped all charges against the wrongly accused woman on Tuesday following the discovery of new evidence.
Dix Street shooting
What we know:
Officers with the LaGrange Police Department responded to the 300 block of Dix Street at about 10:40 p.m. on June 1 after receiving reports of a person who had been shot.
When officers arrived, they found 29-year-old Keontavious Bailey unresponsive in the roadway. Officers, along with personnel from the LaGrange Fire Department and Troup AMR, began lifesaving measures before Bailey was transported to a local hospital.
Bailey later died from his injuries.
Wrongful murder accusation
The backstory:
Police initially arrested Telneschia Jones and charged her with murder. Investigators originally believed that Jones was participating in a physical fight in the street when she pulled out a gun and fired the fatal shot.
However, investigators received new information about the ongoing case on Tuesday. The new evidence proved that Jones was not responsible for the killing, according to the LaGrange Police Department. Officials immediately released Jones and dismissed all legal charges against her.
Real suspect identified
Dig deeper:
Newly obtained evidence identified Randy Orlanda Johnson Jr. as the person actually responsible for the death of Bailey, according to the LaGrange Police Department. Police have since arrested Johnson and charged him with murder.
Investigators shifted their focus to Johnson after realizing that an unnamed witness had actively provided false information to officers at the beginning of the case.
Investigation remains active
What's next:
Police said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Ligon at 706-883-2620. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Tip411 system using the mobile app, the online portal or by texting "LAGRANGE" to 847411.