VALDOSTA – Two Valdosta males have been arrested by VPD in a shooting investigation at Park Chase Apartments.
Release:
Arrested 1: Darius Kitchen, African American male, 32 years of age, Valdosta resident
Arrested 2: Clarence Eady, African American male, 26 years of age, Valdosta resident
Victim: Martevalous Williams, African American male, 32 years of age, Valdosta resident
On July 18, 2024, at approximately 3:35 am., Valdosta Police Officers responded to Park Chase Apartments after a citizen called E911 to report that a subject had been shot. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a 32-year-old male, later identified as Martevalous Williams, in the stairwell of the apartments, with a gunshot wound to his torso. Officers and Emergency Medical Technicians from South Georgia Medical Center attempted life-saving efforts, but the male was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Through investigation, detectives identified that Williams had been involved in a dispute with Darius Kitchen, 32 years of age, and Clarence Eady, 26 years of age, who is also the victim’s brother. During the altercation, a firearm was produced, and Williams was shot, resulting in his death.
During interviews, Kitchen and Eady gave detectives numerous stories and lies about what had occurred.
Both were arrested and transported to Lowndes County Jail.
Kitchen has been charged with felony murder (felony), aggravated assault (felony), and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (felony).
Eady has been charged with tampering with evidence (felony) and obstruction of an officer (misdemeanor).
“This is another senseless act of violence in our community. Our detectives worked non-stop to get answers for Mr. Williams’ family. The fact that the victim’s own brother was not cooperative and hampered the investigation, as he was present when the shooting occurred, is unbelievable. Tragically the victim’s children are left without a father, and a family that is grieving his loss. We appreciate the assistance of the Child’s Advocacy Center during the investigation of this case. “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.
