VALDOSTA, Ga. — Three suspects have been arrested in relation to two November homicide cases, according to the Valdosta Police Department Monday.

The second homicide was reportedly retribution for the first shooting death, according to police.

Justin Emanuel Brown, 28, is charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime; he is currently being held at the Lowndes County Jail, according to VPD reports.

Malik Griffin, 20, is charged with aggravated assault stemming from the death of Brian Keith Moore, 25, according to VPD reports.

Jordan Williams, 23, is charged with tampering with evidence and false statement, according to police.

The first case involved the death of Moore, and according to the VPD’s report, is directly linked to the second case, the death of 20-year-old Emory Austin Carter Jr.

On Nov. 14, Moore was shot to death at his residence on the 2400 block of Knox Drive, according to a report from the VPD. The investigation revealed that a suspect and Carter went to Moore’s residence with the intent to rob Moore. Moore was shot by Carter, according to police. Carter and the other suspect fled the scene.

A friend of Moore reportedly removed a handgun and narcotics from the scene and fled before police arrived, the report stated.

Reportedly, Moore family members learned Carter was the shooter but did not inform the VPD, according to police reports.

“Their silence severely hindered the investigation and prevented the arrest of the offender who was later shot and killed in another incident,” according to the report.

At 9:18 p.m., Nov. 28, Carter was shot to death on the 600 block of East Ann Street, according to the report.

“Had Moore’s family and friends come forward and shared information with law enforcement, another tragedy may have been averted,” Valdosta Police Chief Brian Childress said in a statement. “In some circles, the idea of seeking revenge is more appealing than seeking justice through lawful means. Taking matters in your own hands may feel good for the moment, but it has harsh, lasting consequences.

“Once information was known about the offender in the first murder, this should have immediately been reported to the police. Now two people are dead and several will be going to prison.”

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1256.