VALDOSTA – A Valdosta homicide investigation lead to two Valdosta men being arrested for the shooting death of a 22-year-old man.

Release:

Arrested: 1. Jaylan Copeland, African American male, 21 years of age, Valdosta resident
Arrested: 2. Elijah Davis, African American male, 18 years of age, Valdosta resident
Victim: Antonio Bernard Johnson, African American male, 22 years of age, Valdosta resident

On August 1, 2023, at approximately 12:20 am., Valdosta Police Officers responded to the area of the 1400 block of Baytree Drive, after numerous citizens called E911 to report gunshots. When officers arrived, the parking lot was empty. Officers searched the area and located a 22-year-old male, Antonio Bernard Johnson, with gunshot wounds, lying on the ground behind apartments. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene by Emergency Medical Services.

Detectives and Crime Scene Technicians responded to the incident location. Through investigation, detectives determined that there had been an altercation in the parking lot, which led to gunfire.
Detectives have continued to follow up on evidence in this case. Through investigation, detectives identified two individuals who were involved in the incident that resulted in the shooting death of Johnson. On Friday, December 8, 2023, detectives obtained arrest warrants on Jaylan Copeland, 21 years of age, and Elijah Davis, 18 years of age.

The warrants were for:

• Felony murder-felony;
• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon-felony; and
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony-felony.

Copeland turned himself into Lowndes County Jail. Davis is currently being held in Henry County Jail on unrelated charges.

This investigation is still ongoing and further charges are pending.

If anyone has any information, please contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.