In Fort Valley, Georgia, the day after celebrating his 24th birthday with his family, Kerry Ross Jr., an African American male, was tragically shot and killed. On the afternoon of Monday, January 13, 2025, gunfire erupted in the 600 block of Miller Street, near an abandoned church. When Fort Valley Police arrived at the scene, they discovered two individuals with gunshot wounds. One was Kerry Ross Jr., who succumbed to his injuries, and the other was 59-year-old Tyrone Williams, who was transported to a local hospital and was in stable condition. Ross's family described him as a caring young man who was an avid gamer and helped care for his disabled aunt. His mother expressed her belief that the shooting was not a random act of violence.
The investigation into the homicide, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, led to the arrest of four individuals the following month. The suspects were identified as 18-year-old Jakail Hillsman, 18-year-old Damontae Lockhart, 18-year-old Alex Holden, and a 15-year-old male. According to the Fort Valley Police Chief, the shooting was a premeditated act. The investigation revealed that the four suspects had met and planned to go to the Vineville community to find and harm Kerry Ross Jr. The 15-year-old suspect had reportedly been evading law enforcement and was apprehended on February 11, 2025, while he was asleep in a car.
All four suspects face multiple serious charges, including malice murder, felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Following their arrests, all four were denied bond. The family of Kerry Ross Jr. expressed their gratitude to the community and law enforcement for their work in apprehending the suspects. They created a memorial with teddy bears, balloons, and pictures at the location where he lost his life, remembering a young man who, despite any troubles, had a 'great heart.'
