17-Year-Old Charged with Murder in Tifton Shooting Death

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested 17-year-old Xavier Berrian of Tifton, GA, in connection with the shooting death of 18-year-old Jaquan Jones. Berrian is charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Tampering with Evidence, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony.

On Sunday, October 20, 2024, the Tifton Police Department requested the GBI’s assistance after responding to a shooting at a residence on Tifton-Eldorado Road. Officers found Jones suffering from a gunshot wound, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. Jones’ body was sent to the GBI’s Crime Lab in Macon for an autopsy.

Berrian is currently being held at the Tift County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Tifton Police Department at 229-382-3132 or the GBI regional office in Sylvester, GA, at 229-777-2080. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or through the GBI’s online portal.

Once the investigation concludes, the case will be referred to the Tift Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.