In the summer of 2022, a tragic incident in Fort Valley, Georgia, cut short the life of Marcus Deon Ball Jr., a young male child. On July 20th, the one-year-old was inside his family's apartment at the Lakeview Apartments when gunfire erupted outside. A stray bullet penetrated the walls of their home, striking and killing the toddler. His infant sister, Markailey Ball, was also struck and seriously injured.
The shooting was the result of a dispute that escalated into violence. In the aftermath, a thorough investigation was launched to bring those responsible to justice. The investigation led to the identification and arrest of three men. Christopher Miller was the first to be convicted for his role in the young boy's death and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in May of 2025.
Following a week-long trial in August 2025, a Peach County jury found Jabari Thomas and Wontazious Bivins guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bivins faced an additional charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Both men were subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Thomas received an additional 25 years, while Bivins was given an additional 35 years. Despite these convictions, authorities believe others were involved in the shooting and have continued to seek information from the community to identify and charge all individuals responsible for the senseless violence that led to the death of a child and the injury of another.
