HARTWELL, GA (WSPA) - The GBI has arrested and charged five people in connection with a shooting that occurred at Jack's Bar and Grill in Hartwell, GA, on September 5, 2022, that resulted in the deaths of Roberius Thornton (39) of Hartwell and Joseph Johnson (24) of Bowman, GA.
Several other people were injured during the incident. As a result of this investigation, the following people have been arrested:
Ke'Ardrick Tucker, age 31, of Bowman, GA, charged with two counts of Felony Murder, 11 counts of Aggravated Assault, and 11 counts of Possession of Firearm during Commission of Felony.
Jo'Beau Almond, age 33, of Hartwell, GA, charged with two counts of Felony Murder, 11 counts of Aggravated Assault, 11 counts of Possession of Firearm during Commission of Felony, and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon.
Kyairre Thomas, age 25, of Canon, GA, charged with two counts of Felony Murder, 11 counts of Aggravated Assault, and 11 counts of Possession of Firearm during Commission of Felony.
Contorious White, age 21, of Anderson, SC, charged with two counts of Felony Murder, 11 counts of Aggravated Assault, and 11 counts of Possession of Firearm during Commission of Felony.
Trenton Shoemaker, age 24, of Hartwell, GA, charged with two counts of Felony Murder, 11 counts of Aggravated Assault, and 11 counts of Possession of Firearm during Commission of Felony.
Shoemaker was arrested on August 21 and booked into the Hart County Jail. Tucker and Almond were arrested on September 1, and booked into the Hart County Jail.
Thomas is in custody in the Stephens County Jail, and White is in custody in South Carolina, both on unrelated charges.
The Anderson County Sheriff's Office (South Carolina), Barrow County Sheriff's Office, Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS), Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Elbert County Sheriff's Office, Elberton Police Department, Hart County Sheriff's Office, Hartwell Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, and the Stephens County Sheriff's Office assisted in the investigation and arrests.
This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Athens at 706-552-2309.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477). Once complete, the case will be given to the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review and potential prosecution.
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