Two Dead, 35 Injured in Georgia Homecoming Party Shooting

Two men were killed and 35 others injured when gunfire broke out around 1:25 a.m. local time on Sunday, October 4, at a large neighborhood block party in Vienna, Dooly County, Georgia. The gathering, which drew more than 1,000 attendees, coincided with homecoming weekend for Dooly County High School but was not a school-sponsored event.

Deputies were already patrolling the party when shots rang out from at least two locations roughly a block apart, with more than 50 rounds fired. Sheriff Craig Peavy said officers ran toward the gunfire and found victims on Pine Street; two men, identified as 21-year-old Jaquevion Jackson of Cordele and 23-year-old Macaleb Jackson of Hawkinsville, were pronounced dead at the scene.

“We don't know if it's coming at us or someone else. You just have to keep doing what you're doing and hope you don't get hit by gunfire.”

The 35 injured, ranging in age from 14 to 51, were transported to several regional hospitals. Some were in critical condition while others were stable, according to Sheriff Peavy. GBI Director Chris Hosey confirmed some victims had gunshot wounds but could not yet provide a specific count.

Authorities have not identified any suspects or established a motive. No arrests have been made, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the ongoing probe. Schools in the district plan to open Monday with additional safety measures in place.