Release:

On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at approximately 2:01 am., Valdosta Police Officers responded to DejaVu, at 319 East Hill Avenue after receiving several E911 calls about a subject who had been stabbed and was unresponsive. Officers began to provide first aid to the victim, later identified as Artavious Allen until Emergency Medical Services responded and transported Allen to South Georgia Medical Center. Allen was pronounced deceased at the hospital, after receiving a stab wound to his upper torso.

Detectives with the Valdosta Police Department Person’s Crime Unit, along with Crime Scene Personnel, responded to the scene and began an investigation. Through investigation, detectives determined that Allen had been involved in an altercation inside the nightclub with Bernard Sanders, Jr., which resulted in Sanders stabbing Allen. Detectives have obtained arrest warrants for Sanders for felony murder and aggravated assault. At this time Sanders’ location is unknown and police are asking for assistance in locating him. Sanders should be considered armed and dangerous. If anyone sees Sanders or knows of his location, do not approach him, but call 911 immediately.

“Our thoughts go out to Mr. Allen’s family during this time. We hope that someone comes forward with the whereabouts of Sanders, so he can be taken into custody and help us provide answers to Mr. Allen’s family.”

Chief Leslie Manahan