In the spring of 2020, a young man's life was cut tragically short in Albany, Georgia. Eighteen-year-old Johnny Wright III, a Black male born on August 23, 2001, was known for his contagious smile and playful nature. He was a high school graduate from Ft. Gordon Military Academy and was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He enjoyed playing on his PlayStation 4, listening to music, and spending time with his closest companions.
On Sunday, April 5, 2020, Johnny Wright III was killed in a shooting, marking the first homicide of the year in the city of Albany. The incident prompted a swift investigation by the Albany Police Department, which worked tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. The investigation was led by the department's Gang Unit, although it was not immediately determined if the shooting was gang-related.
Within days of the fatal shooting, authorities began making arrests. Between April 7 and April 10, four individuals were taken into custody in connection with the death of Johnny Wright III. Among those arrested were 18-year-old Jontavious Williams, 19-year-old Laborris Buchanann, and 22-year-old Shatavious Nesbitt, who were each charged with aggravated assault and felony murder. A fourth individual, 17-year-old Jermarion Walden, was charged with giving a false name or false information to a law enforcement officer. In addition to the arrests made, the Albany Police Department also identified two other suspects, Tekoa Kohn and Geno Johnson, who were wanted on charges of felony murder and aggravated assault. Two other individuals, Johnny Williams and Charles Bryant, were named as persons of interest in the ongoing investigation.
