Authorities in Athens have confirmed the identities of two victims who lost their lives in a tragic triple shooting early Saturday morning, as investigators continue working to determine what led to the violent incident.
According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire around 2:20 a.m. on March 14 in the 400 block of North Jackson Street. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Two of the victims were pronounced dead shortly after the incident. They were identified as 22-year-old Clayton Adams and 19-year-old Dylan Bentley. Bentley’s family later confirmed his passing publicly and expressed deep sorrow over the sudden loss.
A third victim, 20-year-old Landon Skinner, survived the attack but sustained severe injuries. Authorities said Skinner suffered a gunshot wound to the eye and was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment.
Family members reported that Skinner underwent urgent surgery shortly after arriving at the hospital. Additional medical procedures may be required once doctors determine that his condition is stable.
Following preliminary investigations, police arrested 22-year-old Mark Desousa, a resident of Jefferson. He has been charged with malice murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery in connection with the shooting.
The emotional impact of the incident has been deeply felt by the victims’ families. Shanna Roe, the mother of the surviving victim, said she has remained at the hospital with her son as he continues to recover from his injuries.
Roe described the experience as devastating and said the situation has been extremely difficult for their family. Despite the pain and uncertainty, she said she is holding on to hope as doctors continue to monitor her son’s recovery.
She also expressed sympathy for the families of Adams and Bentley. According to Roe, she was informed that the two young men had tried to help her son during the chaotic moments following the shooting.
In another painful revelation, Roe said she later learned that the suspect had been a close friend of her son for about six years, making the tragedy even harder for the family to understand.
Investigators have not yet disclosed what may have led to the shooting or the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities say the case remains under active investigation as detectives continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Police have also not announced when the suspect is expected to appear in court.
