Crime & Safety

Police: 'Senseless Act of Violence' Kills Innocent Bystander, Wounds Another

The double shooting occurred near Bootlegger's nightclub around 2:40 a.m. Saturday, May 10.

Athens-Clarke County Police are urging witnesses to come forward to shed more light on a Saturday morning double shooting that killed a man and injured another. Both victims were innocent bystanders.

Police said Derrick Merritt and Jamaris Walker, both 22, were shot while standing in a vacant parking lot at 1720 Commerce Road in Athens after closing time at nearby Bootleggers nightclub. Merritt died at an Athens hospital; Walter was hospitalized in serious condition. The shootings occurred around 2:40 a.m. on Saturday, May 10.

“Information obtained clearly indicates that the victims in this senseless act of violence were innocent bystanders and played no role in triggering the assault,” Maj. Mark Sizemore said in a press release.

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No suspects have been identified. Police are looking for a light-colored Ford Mustang that was seen leaving the parking lot. The GBI is assisting in the investigation.

“Police have learned that many individuals witnessed the assault. Witnesses are encouraged to continue to come forward with any information to help to identify those responsible for this pointless shooting,” the police statement said.

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Anyone with information concerning the shooting is asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department's Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 706-613-3342. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those individuals responsible for this crime.


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