Waycross Teen Charged in Fatal Shooting of 18-Year-Old

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested and charged Austin Pittman, 19, of Waycross, Georgia, with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter and Misdemeanor Reckless Conduct. The charges relate to the death of 18-year-old Landon Bashlor, also from Waycross.

The incident occurred on Sunday, May 26, 2024. The Ware County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI to investigate the case. The investigation revealed that Pittman recklessly interacted with a firearm, causing it to discharge and fatally wound Bashlor.

A 911 call reported that Bashlor had been shot inside a car in the 3400 block of Albany Highway in Waycross. Responding deputies found Bashlor deceased in the vehicle.

A GBI Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Douglas at (912) 389-4103 or the Ware County Sheriff’s Office at (912) 287-4326.  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. 

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.