CAIRO- On Monday, August 1, 2023, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Cairo Police requested the assistance of the GBI with a murder that took place on 3rd Ave. SW and Lewis St. SW in Cairo, Georgia. Upon arrival, Cairo Police discovered a male that had been shot. The male was then transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his wounds. Agents and a Crime Scene Specialist arrived and began conducting an investigation and processing the scene for any evidence.

Agents and Cairo Police identified and arrested Jakavian Jamel Cotton, 17, as the alleged shooter. Cotton was arrested at his residence on Hunter Ave. in Cairo at approximately 1:52 a.m. earlier that morning. Cotton has been charged with Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. Additional charges are expected in this case against Cotton as the investigation progresses. Cotton was taken to the Grady County Jail where he was booked and will be processed on the warrants. The 18-year-old victim will be sent to the GBI Crime Lab tentatively tomorrow for an autopsy to be performed.

This case is active and ongoing and anyone with information on this case is asked to call the GBI Thomasville Office at 229-225-4090. Once complete, it will be turned over to the South Georgia Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.