Two 17-Year-Olds Charged With Murder After Drug Deal Robbery Ends in Fatal Valdosta Shootout

VALDOSTA, Ga. – Two 17-year-olds have been charged with murder and armed robbery after investigators said an attempted robbery during a narcotics transaction erupted in gunfire at a Valdosta apartment complex, leaving a 24-year-old man dead and one of the teenage suspects wounded.

The arrests also resulted in the capture of Tevan Terrel Bivins Jr., 17, who was already wanted in connection with a separate July 27 homicide at Prospers Apartments, according to the Valdosta Police Department.

Bivins and Travis Bennard Wright, 17, are now charged in the Aug. 17 killing at Ashton Park Apartments in the 1300 block of River Street.

Police have not released the name of the 24-year-old victim.

Shooting Reported at Ashton Park Apartments

The investigation began at approximately 6:20 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, when a citizen called 911 to report a shooting at Ashton Park Apartments.

Valdosta police officers, firefighters and South Georgia Medical Center EMS personnel responded and found a 24-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds.

The victim was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

While officers and detectives were investigating the homicide, another person called 911 and reported that a 17-year-old male had been shot at an unknown location and was being driven to the hospital by another citizen.

That teenager, later identified as Wright, never arrived at the hospital, police said.

Detectives began searching for Wright and developed information indicating that he may have been involved in the Ashton Park homicide.

Wounded Teen Found in Lowndes County

On Aug. 18, investigators received information that Wright was at a residence on Lynnhaven Road in Lowndes County.

With assistance from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, authorities took Wright into custody. Police said he had an injury and reported that he had been shot in the abdomen.

Wright was transported to South Georgia Medical Center for treatment.

As detectives continued investigating the homicide, evidence collected from the shooting scene allegedly connected Bivins to the crime.

Finding Bivins became particularly significant because the teenager was already wanted by Valdosta Police in connection with another homicide less than a month earlier.

Bivins Was Wanted in July 27 Homicide

Bivins had active warrants for malice murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime stemming from the July 27 homicide at Prospers Apartments, according to Valdosta Police.

Law enforcement circulated his information through multiple networks while detectives investigated tips concerning his whereabouts.

At approximately 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, authorities located Bivins at a residence in Sparks, Georgia.

Members of the Lowndes County and Cook County sheriff’s offices took him into custody without incident.

Wright was released from the hospital Thursday afternoon and transported to the Lowndes County Jail.

Police: Gunfire Erupted During Alleged Robbery

Investigators said the Ashton Park shooting occurred during a narcotics transaction.

According to Valdosta Police, Wright and Bivins allegedly produced firearms while attempting to rob the 24-year-old victim. The victim also pulled a firearm, and multiple shots were exchanged.

Both the victim and Wright were struck by gunfire. The victim died from his injuries, while Wright survived.

Wright and Bivins have each been charged with malice murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Bivins additionally faces the outstanding charges connected to the July 27 killing.

“This is such a tragic and senseless act of violence that has now changed the lives of so many people,” Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan said, noting that a 24-year-old lost his life while two 17-year-olds now face the consequences of the allegations against them.

Manahan also credited the multiple law enforcement agencies that worked together to locate and arrest the suspects.