In the early hours of a Saturday morning, the life of 19-year-old Brynarius Smith was tragically cut short in Athens, Georgia. On April 16, 2022, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Athens-Clarke County police responded to reports of a shooting at the Nellie B. Homes on Cone Drive. Upon arrival, they discovered Smith suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene from his injuries.
For nearly two years, the investigation into Smith's death continued.
Initially, police had not released details about potential suspects or the motive behind the shooting. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department offered a reward for information that would lead to an arrest in the case. The investigation eventually pointed to the shooting being gang-related.
In April 2024, a breakthrough was announced. Two Athens men, 22-year-old Ja'Quavious Smith and 22-year-old Shamon Elder, Jr., were indicted by a grand jury in connection with the murder. Ja'Quavious Smith was arrested in Athens by the ACCPD's Gang Unit with assistance from the Safe Streets Task Force. Shamon Elder, Jr. was already incarcerated in the Clarke County Jail on unrelated charges at the time of the indictment.
Both men face a string of serious charges, including Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and four counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. Authorities have indicated that the suspects have ties to the Red Tape Gang. The motive for the killing has been described by police as gang-related.
