VALDOSTA – The Valdosta Police Department has arrested a 22-year-old male from Lakeland in connection to a homicide investigation.

Release:

Arrested: Zykenzie Jeremiah Calhoun, African American male. 22 years of age, Lakeland, GA resident
Victim: Octavius Marshun McDougal, African American male, 33 years of age, Valdosta resident

On February 11, 2024, at approximately 1120 am., Valdosta Police Officers responded to the 500 block of Moody Drive after several citizens called E911 to report that someone was shot. When officers arrived on the scene, they found Octavius Marshun McDougal, 33 years of age, with obvious signs of trauma to his torso. Officers attempted life-saving measures on McDougal, until Emergency Medical Services responded and transported him to the hospital. McDougal succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Detectives with the Valdosta Police Department developed a person of interest early during their investigation. After countless hours of looking at evidence and interviewing subjects, detectives have made an arrest.

On April 1, 2024, detectives obtained arrest warrants for Zykenzie Jeremiah Calhoun, a 22-year-old male from Lakeland, for:

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

On April 2, 2024, at approximately 1100 am., detectives made contact with Calhoun in the 1400 block of East Park Avenue. He was taken into custody without incident. As they were taking Calhoun into custody, detectives found a firearm on his person, which had an illegal automatic switch on it.

Calhoun was transported to Lowndes County Jail, where he is being held on the above-listed charges. Further charges are pending.

“I am extremely proud of the work of our detectives. They worked countless hours, and their hard work has resulted in Mr. McDougal’s family getting answers for this tragic event. We would like to thank the Lakeland Police Department, as well as the Lanier County Sheriff’s Office, for their continuous assistance throughout this investigation.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan.

If anyone has any further information on this case, or any other cases, 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.