In the small city of Moultrie, Georgia, the life of 18-year-old Jayla Tranay Alexander was tragically cut short on a Saturday night in November. On November 9, 2019, the Colquitt County High School senior became the victim of a drive-by shooting in the 800 block of 12th Avenue Southeast. The violent act, which the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called to investigate, sent shockwaves through the community and left her family devastated. Multiple rounds were fired at the residence where Jayla and others were present, and despite being rushed to a local hospital, her injuries proved to be fatal.
In the wake of her death, family, friends, and community members gathered for a vigil to honor the vibrant and joyful young woman. Tears were shed and balloons were released as those who knew her best shared memories and called for an end to senseless gun violence. Her father, Quentin Alexander, spoke of his immense grief and the unimaginable pain of losing his daughter, a young woman for whom he had just recently purchased a cap and gown for her upcoming graduation. The community's outpouring of support provided a small measure of comfort to the heartbroken family as they prepared for her funeral services, which were held at Live Oak Baptist Church before she was laid to rest in Westview Cemetery.
The investigation into Jayla's murder remains active and ongoing. In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement authorities collected multiple shell casings and projectiles from the scene, which spanned nearly half a city block and included damage to houses and vehicles. On the same evening as Jayla's death, another shooting occurred in Moultrie, and an arrest was made in that separate case. Authorities stated they were investigating whether the two incidents were related. However, years have passed, and no arrests have been announced in connection with Jayla's death. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues to ask for the public's help, encouraging anyone with information to come forward as they seek to bring justice to Jayla and her family.
