Two Gang Members and One Additional Defendant Indicted in Athens Fatal Shooting Case

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has announced the indictment of Zyquavious Thomas, 17, and Keanthony Sorrells, 15, for the May 27, 2024, fatal shooting of 20-year-old Cameron Manago at the Rolling Ridge Apartments in Athens. Both defendants are alleged members of Sex Money Murder, a national subset of the Bloods gang with a strong presence across Georgia. A third defendant, 18-year-old Janiya Moore, was indicted on drug-related charges.

The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD), with support from the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit.

The charges stem from an incident where Manago was fatally shot during what authorities believe was gang-related violence. The indictments, handed down by an Athens-Clarke County Grand Jury on November 19, 2024, include multiple charges:

Charges Against the Defendants

Zyquavious Thomas, 17, of Athens:

1 count of Murder
1 count of Felony Murder
1 count of Armed Robbery
2 counts of Aggravated Assault
2 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
1 count of Possession of a Handgun by a Person Under the Age of 18 Years
4 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act

Keanthony Sorrells, 15, of Athens:

1 count of Murder
1 count of Felony Murder
1 count of Armed Robbery
2 counts of Aggravated Assault
2 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
1 count of Possession of a Handgun by a Person Under the Age of 18 Years
4 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act

Janiya Moore, 18, of Athens:

1 count of Attempt to Violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act
1 count of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute

Efforts to Combat Gang Activity in Athens

The Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit, established in July 2022, has collaborated closely with ACCPD to address gang violence in the Athens-Clarke County area. Since the partnership began, 24 individuals have been indicted in 10 separate cases, leading to 12 convictions to date.

According to ACCPD, targeted enforcement and prosecution efforts have contributed to a 22% reduction in shooting incidents in 2023 and an additional 30% decrease so far in 2024.

“All Georgians deserve to feel safe in their communities, and we’re fighting each day to ensure that’s a reality,” said Attorney General Carr. “Our efforts have made a significant impact on the Athens-Clarke County community, but there’s still more work to do, and we will continue to use all available resources to combat gang activity in our state.”

ACCPD Chief Jerry Saulters expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “The Athens-Clarke County Police Department is committed to holding criminals accountable for their actions and making Athens a safe community to live, work, and visit.”

Further updates on this case and related prosecutions will be provided as new information becomes available.