THOMASVILLE- The GBI was requested to conduct a death investigation on October 20, 2022, at a residence in the 1300 block of North Dawson Street in Thomasville, Georgia.  GBI Agents began the investigation with Thomasville Police and conducted multiple interviews with witnesses, and collected evidence related to the case. 

It is alleged that Jamal Tremayne Hayes and James Hudson traveled to a residence where Kelton Butler was asleep on a couch.  Another person at the residence allowed Hayes and Hudson inside, where they began assaulting and cutting Butler.  A fight ensued and a pistol was produced.  Butler was able to gain control of the gun and shoot Hayes, who died as a result of the shooting.  Hudson fled the scene.  Warrants were obtained for Hudson (Born March of 1969) for murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Hudson was arrested on November 3rd in Thomasvilleby Thomasville Police Officers.

Once complete, the case file will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Thomasville Office at 229-225-4090.  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.