UPDATED RELEASE:

On Sunday, August 30, 2020, at approximately 1:58 am., Valdosta Police Department Patrol Officers responded to the parking lot of Vibez Nightclub, 2159 Bemiss Road, after receiving 911 calls for a shooting. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a 19-year-old male, with an apparent gunshot wound. Officers immediately began to render first aid to the victim, until EMS arrived on scene and transported him to South Georgia Medical Center. The victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives from the Valdosta Police Department Person’s Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Personnel from the Valdosta Lowndes Regional Crime Laboratory responded to the scene and began an investigation.

Detectives are currently interviewing witnesses and processing the evidence collected on the scene.

Detectives have identified the victim in this case as Johnnie Malachi, a 19-year-old resident of Valdosta.

At the time of the shooting, there were approximately 75-80 people in the parking lot. Most of these individuals departed the scene as officers arrived and began rendering aid to the victim. The police department is seeking assistance from any individuals who may have witnessed the incident or may have recorded the incident on their cell phones.

If you have any information or video to assist in the investigation, please contact the police department and your information can remain anonymous.

“This is an extremely tragic situation and our thoughts go out to Mr. Malachi’s family. We know that there were witnesses to this incident and we are encouraging them to come forward, so we can hold the offender accountable and provide the victim’s family answers.” Chief Leslie Manahan.

This is an ongoing investigation and if anyone has any information, please call the Bureau of Investigations at 229-293-3145 or the tip line at 229-293-3091.