On the evening of Tuesday, December 9, 2025, a tragic act of violence occurred at a McDonald's restaurant on Elbert Street in Elberton, Georgia. Dontavius Amir Marable, a 17-year-old male, was working at the establishment when he was confronted in the lobby by an acquaintance. Around 10:19 p.m., what began as a verbal dispute between the two teenagers rapidly escalated into a physical altercation.
Investigators later determined that the argument stemmed from a disagreement regarding a girl who was known to both parties.
The situation turned deadly when the other individual involved, identified as 15-year-old Justin Cleveland, allegedly produced a handgun and fired multiple shots. Marable was struck by the gunfire and collapsed on the floor of the restaurant. Police and emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the victim suffering from critical wounds. He was rushed to Elbert Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene, prompting a search by local authorities. The following afternoon, Cleveland surrendered himself to the Elberton Police Department. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which was called in to assist with the homicide inquiry, charged the 15-year-old as an adult. He faces counts of malice murder and felony murder in connection with the death. Cleveland was subsequently booked into the Wilkes Regional Youth Detention Center as the case was prepared for prosecution within the Northern Judicial Circuit.
