Arrest Warrant Issued in Connection with Fatal May Shooting Near Athens Nightclub

An arrest warrant has been issued for an Atlanta man in connection with the May 10 double shooting in Athens that killed an innocent bystander and wounded another.

Athens-Clarke County Police said Corey Antwan Blount is wanted for felony murder, malice murder, two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and during the commission of a crime.

The early morning shootings near 1720 Commerce Road in Athens killed Derrick Merritt and seriously wounded Jamaris Walter, both Athens men. Police said the two victims were standing in a vacant parking lot with other patrons of a nearby nightclub soon after closing time 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,” Athens-Clarke Police said in a statement.

Blount is described as a black male, 5-foot-11, 210 pounds, with a tattoo covering his left forearm.

If you see or have any information regarding this case, contact Athens-Clarke County Police by dialing 911 or the Crime Stoppers’ confidential 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.