8 arrested, 2 wanted in deadly South Georgia mass shooting

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) reported that eight individuals are in custody related to the deadly mass shooting that occurred on October 4 during a homecoming block party in Vienna, Georgia. The event was an unpermitted neighborhood gathering with over 1,000 attendees near West Palm and the Dooly County Recreation Department gym, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

The shooting erupted around 1:25 a.m. on the 900 block of Pine Street. GBI investigators confirmed that 44 people were injured, including 28 who were shot. Two people, ages 21 and 23, died at the scene. Additionally, 16 others were hurt in the ensuing stampede and traffic crashes as crowds fled the area, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.

Authorities have charged several suspects with felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, participation in a criminal street gang, and possession of a firearm during a felony. The GBI upgraded charges against a detained 17-year-old to include murder. Five more arrests were announced recently, adding to two earlier arrests made on October 14 involving gang activity and firearms charges, FOX 5 Atlanta and fox26houston.com detailed.

Two suspects remain at large, facing felony murder and other charges. Authorities have not disclosed the motive or identified which suspect fired the fatal shots, nor have they revealed the last known whereabouts of the fugitives, according to fox7austin.com.

The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement continues to search for the two wanted individuals and pursue additional leads related to the deadly incident, FOX 5 Atlanta noted.