A block party on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Hawkinsville, Georgia, ended in tragedy in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 28, 2024. Among a large crowd, 17-year-old Levarius Ke’Shay Madrad Ates of Eastman was found by Pulaski County deputies with a gunshot wound about 1:15 a.m. Emergency services took him to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition and died the next day, July 29, 2024.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the inquiry at the sheriff’s request and describes the probe as active and ongoing. No arrests have been announced and no suspects have been publicly identified. Investigators have asked anyone who attended the block party and might have information to come forward, with anonymous tips accepted. The case will be submitted to the Oconee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review after the GBI finishes its work.

If anyone was at the party or has information about what happened that night, please contact the GBI with tips.