NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — A quiet Newton County neighborhood was shaken by tragedy Tuesday night after authorities say a 16-year-old is accused of killing his stepfather and fleeing the scene, sparking an intense manhunt that is still underway.
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is searching for Jayden Daniel, who investigators believe shot and killed his 41-year-old stepfather, David Gay, at their home on Avery Drive. Authorities responded to the scene late Tuesday evening, where they discovered Gay’s lifeless body inside the residence. The motive behind the fatal shooting remains unclear at this time.
Deputies say Daniel fled the scene in his stepfather’s black 2016 Cadillac Escalade, triggering an immediate BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert across the region. The vehicle was later located abandoned at Denny Dobbs Park, a popular recreational area just a few miles away from the crime scene. Despite the recovery of the SUV, Daniel has not been located, and law enforcement officials warn that he is still at large.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
Authorities have described Daniel as “armed and dangerous,” urging the public not to approach him under any circumstances. Instead, anyone with information on his whereabouts is strongly encouraged to contact 911 immediately. Law enforcement officials are also asking anyone who was at Denny Dobbs Park around the time the vehicle was abandoned to come forward with any information that may help track Daniel’s movements.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released many details about what may have led to the shooting, citing the early stages of the investigation. It’s also unclear whether any prior domestic issues were reported at the home or whether there had been previous altercations between Daniel and his stepfather.
COMMUNITY ON EDGE
The community in Newton County is on high alert, with residents expressing both shock and concern. Neighbors described the family as relatively quiet, with no visible signs of trouble prior to the incident. The deadly shooting and subsequent disappearance of the teenage suspect have left many feeling unsettled, particularly given the possibility that he may still be nearby.
Several schools in the area have been notified of the ongoing situation, though no official lockdowns have been reported. Local authorities are working with surrounding agencies to expand the search radius and monitor all leads that come in through the public tip line.
CALL FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
As the search intensifies, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is pleading with the public to assist in locating Jayden Daniel. His photo has been distributed to media outlets, and police have reiterated that the teen may be in possession of a firearm.
“This is a very serious situation,” a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said. “We are doing everything in our power to locate this individual and bring him in safely. We need the public’s help. If you see him, do not approach. Call 911.”
At this point, no additional suspects have been named, and investigators are working to piece together what led to this violent and tragic act. An autopsy on David Gay is expected to be conducted to confirm the exact cause of death, though preliminary reports point to a fatal gunshot wound.
ONGOING INVESTIGATION
As the manhunt continues, authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Daniel, especially around Denny Dobbs Park or in the vicinity of Avery Drive on Tuesday night, to come forward. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses to trace Daniel’s movements after abandoning the vehicle.
With a community searching for answers and a family shattered by loss, the focus remains on locating the suspect safely and determining what could have prompted such a devastating event.
If you have any information about the whereabouts of Jayden Daniel, please contact the Newton County Sheriff’s Office or dial 911 immediately. Do not attempt to confront or detain him, as he is considered armed and dangerous.
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