On a late summer evening in Dalton, Georgia, a meeting at Pleasant Grove Park turned deadly, claiming the life of 18-year-old Robert Valencia and three other young men. The Hispanic male was from Rome, Georgia. On August 24, 2024, Valencia, along with 17-year-old Daniel Segura-Cruz, also from Rome, traveled to the park to meet with 19-year-old Joshua Pedro Pelico-Pelico and 21-year-old David Antonio Delgadillo, both from Dalton. The purpose of their meeting was reportedly to exchange contraband.
The encounter escalated into a violent exchange of gunfire between the two groups. Evidence found at the scene indicated that both parties had arrived at the park armed. Witnesses described the sound of the gunfire as 'massive.' When deputies from the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office arrived at approximately 11:14 p.m., they discovered the bodies of the four young men. The preliminary investigation suggested that robbery was a possible motive for the deadly shooting. The individuals from Rome had also brought items to conceal their identities.
In the wake of the quadruple homicide, the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation launched a joint investigation. Their efforts led to the arrest of a 16-year-old from Rome just a day after the shooting. The teenager, later identified as Juan “Diego” Cruz-Duque, was subsequently indicted on 12 counts of felony murder, armed robbery, criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, possession of a schedule 1 controlled substance with intent to distribute, and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The indictment alleged that Cruz-Duque had driven with Segura-Cruz and Valencia from Floyd County to Whitfield County for a 'drug transaction' and had fired a weapon at Pelico-Pelico and Delgadillo to steal vape pens and money.
The investigation continued, and in February 2025, a second suspect was arrested. Andres Jared Guzman, 18, of Rome, was taken into custody and charged with murder. Authorities have stated that they are still seeking additional suspects in connection with the case and have asked the public for any information that might aid their investigation. The tragic event prompted Rome City Schools to implement extra security precautions and provide counseling services for students affected by the loss. A makeshift memorial was also created at Pleasant Grove Park in honor of the four victims.
