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GBI assists Jesup police with murder investigation
Crime scene tape

On Aug. 13, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested to assist the Jesup Police Department in a shooting that resulted in the death of Jakari Malique Reddish, age 24, according to a GBI news release. 

The shooting occurred at about 1 a.m. at a home on the 500 block of N. Fourth Street in Jesup.  Reddish was located at the residence when he encountered several individuals one of whom shot Reddish multiple times, stated the GBI. Reddish was transported to Memorial Hospital in Savannah, where he succumbed to his injuries. 

The investigation revealed that prior to the shooting, Reddish and his family received various threats against his life. It was also determined that the shooting took place for retaliatory purposes due to a burglary. It was reported to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office that a burglary occurred at 95 Ridge Lane, in Wayne County, on Aug. 11.  Reportedly, stolen valuables from the burglary included a safe containing a quantity of money, jewelry, and various items. During the early morning hours of Aug. 13, a portion of the stolen money was seized by the Butts County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop.  

As of Wednesday, Aug. 21, the following individuals have been arrested:

  • ·         Rahdal Tucker, age 24, was arrested for Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, Possession of Stolen Firearms, Burglary, and Tampering with Evidence.
  • ·         Diquon Imari Wilkerson, age 22, was arrested for Burglary.    
  • ·         Antonio Jerrell Brown, age 35, Ralph Doomes, Jr., age 41, and Quartez Demonte Doomes, age 29, were arrested for Terroristic Threats.
  • ·         Malcolm Dante Hatcher, age 32, was arrested for Criminal Attempt to Tamper with Evidence.
  • ·         A Burglary warrant for Craig Allen Hawkins, age 26, has been secured but at this time he has not been located.

This investigation in ongoing and additional arrests and indictments referencing the murder and Georgia Gang Act are anticipated, according to the GBI news release.  Anyone with information pertaining to the murder of Reddish or the whereabouts of Hawkins is encouraged to contact Jesup police at 912-427-1300 or the GBI at 912-729-6198. 


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Community gets a rare snow day
Snow Day 1

City of Hinesville and Liberty County offices are closed today, and the Liberty County School System is undergoing a day of virtual learning after a winter storm hit southeast Georgia.

Coastal Georgia was inundated with one of the biggest snowfalls in recorded history as forecasters called for 4-6 inches of snow to fall Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Initial reports Wednesday morning indicate at least 2 inches fell on Hinesville.

Sean Hafer and his family took advantage of the quiet roads and still Wednesday morning to enjoy the snow at Bradwell Park. He’s lived in Hinesville for almost 12 years and recalled the snow storm of 2018. But that snow was “not this deep,” he said. “It’s been a while.

“I don’t think many people went to work today,” Hafer said. “You think people would be out in it having fun, but I guess they’re scared to drive in it. It’s fun when you don’t get it around here.”

Hafer said he was curious to see how much snow was going to fall.

“They did well on this,” he said of the meteorologists. “They were accurate. They earned their pay on this one.”

The City of Hinesville declared a state of emergency Tuesday in advance of the storm and residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel due to potential severe weather conditions. Melting snow and ice can refreeze overnight, making roads dangerous.

Liberty County offices will remain closed until Friday. Liberty County School System students are having virtual learning Thursday.

Near-record lows tonight could lead to hazardous road conditions through tonight and Thursday morning, especially on secondary roads due to refreezing of melted snow and sleet and black ice with freezing of water puddle.

While daytime highs will be more temperate, overnight lows for the next few days are expected to remain well below freezing. The City of Hinesville encourages residents to drip their faucets overnight, insulate exposed pipes and to let warm air circulate around pipes by opening cabinet doors under sinks, especially those near exterior walls.

Some travel issues could persist Thursday night, with the potential for any remaining snow or slush to refreeze, especially on secondary roads.

The city also is reporting no power outages and all traffic lights are operational. Since most businesses are closed, traffic is minimal and residents are urged not to travel unless necessary.

 

 

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