Javoris Butler, 29, was shot on July 21, 2015, at the Pendleton Homes on Houston Avenue in Macon, Georgia. He was taken to the Medical Center, Navicent Health, where he died of his injuries; the case is described as a death from gun violence.

Investigators identified Steve Anthony Fort as a suspect. As police arrived at the shooting scene, Fort forced a woman to drive him away, effectively kidnapping her while attempting to flee. Fort was arrested and charged in connection with Butler’s death, including murder and armed robbery, as well as charges stemming from the abduction.

At trial the prosecution presented evidence over several days. After more than four hours of jury deliberation spread over two days, Fort was acquitted of murder and armed robbery but convicted of the kidnapping that occurred during his flight; he received a 20-year sentence for that conviction.

If anyone knew Javoris Butler, saw activity around Pendleton Homes on July 21, 2015, or has information about the shooting, please come forward.