James Jake Ponder, 24, was shot and killed in LaGrange, Georgia, on the evening of Saturday, February 9, 2019. Ponder, a father of two, was with a friend when he was shot; his friend drove him to Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, where he died. Early accounts described the incident as the killing of a good Samaritan after offering a ride to strangers on Troup Street, but investigators later said the meeting had been arranged so Ponder could buy a firearm.

Police reported that the two men Ponder had arranged to meet attempted to rob him during the meeting. Ponder was shot in the back, hands, and leg; the assailants fled. Investigators identified a suspect connected to a local Bloods set and said the robbery was tied to gang status and slang described as to slime someone, meaning to rob. Another person was reported to be under indictment in the case and an investigation into others remained ongoing.

If anyone knew Jake Ponder, his activities in LaGrange around February 2019, or saw something on Troup Street that night, please share what is known.