In the early hours of June 8, 2025, a vibrant young life was cut short, and a close-knit community was shattered by a mass shooting that left LaGrange, Georgia, in a state of grief and disbelief. At approximately 1:00 a.m., the quiet of Seminary Street was pierced by gunfire, transforming a routine Saturday night into a scene of chaos and tragedy. Nineteen-year-old Javeon Dukes, a young man with dreams and a future ahead of him, was fatally wounded, while six others—Montija Hand, Aja Pruitt, Jerdarious Blackmon, Shakayla Cofield, Titus Dunlap, and Ayonna Leonard—suffered injuries that have left them fighting for recovery. The incident, which unfolded at 105 Seminary Street, has left residents mourning, searching for answers, and grappling with the growing specter of gun violence in their city.
LaGrange Police Department officers responded swiftly to multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired. Upon arriving at the scene, they encountered a harrowing sight: seven individuals, ranging in age and background, suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services worked frantically to stabilize the victims before rushing them to WellStar West Georgia Medical Center. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Javeon Dukes succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, a loss that has struck a deep chord in the community. The six other victims received treatment for injuries that varied in severity. Some have been released from the hospital, while others remain under care, their conditions a stark reminder of the violence that erupted without warning.
The LaGrange Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division has taken the lead in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As of now, no suspects have been identified, and the motive remains unclear. Investigators are combing through surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and piecing together the events that led to the deadly outbreak of violence. Authorities have emphasized the critical role of community cooperation in solving the case. Detective Randazzo, who is spearheading the investigation, can be reached at 706-883-2684 for those with information. Additionally, the department has encouraged anonymous tips through the Tip411 system, accessible via a mobile app, online portal, or by texting “LAGRANGE” to 847411. The police have stressed that even minor details could prove pivotal in bringing those responsible to justice.
The shooting has left the Seminary Street neighborhood in a state of shock. Residents, many of whom were jolted awake by the sound of gunfire, describe a community unaccustomed to such violence. Local leaders, including clergy and civic organizers, have begun rallying to provide support for the victims’ families and to foster healing. Plans for candlelight vigils and prayer gatherings are underway, with many hoping to honor Javeon Dukes’ memory while offering strength to the wounded. The tragedy has also reignited discussions about gun violence in LaGrange, with the incident now marked on the city’s Gunshot and Murder Map, a grim tally of lives lost and altered by gunfire.
For the people of LaGrange, this is not just a statistic but a deeply personal loss. Javeon Dukes, described by those who knew him as a kind and ambitious young man, leaves behind a grieving family and a community struggling to make sense of the senseless. As the investigation presses forward, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The hope for justice burns brightly, but for now, LaGrange mourns, united in sorrow and resolve to prevent such a tragedy from striking again.
