Deadly Shooting at Convenience Store

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Tifton, Georgia

478-227-7126 ~ www.tiftongrapevine.com

Photo by Bonnie Sayles

This was the scene Monday afternoon after the deadly shooting at the Sunoco station on South Central Avenue.

TIFTON MAN DIES IN CONVENIENCE STORE SHOOTING

By FRANK SAYLES JR. and BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

A Tifton man was shot dead Monday afternoon at a convenience store on South Central Avenue near the Interstate 75 exit ramp.

Vincent T. Myers, 36, died in the incident at the Sunoco convenience store at 3119 South Central Ave., according to the Tift County Coroner's Office. The Tift County Sheriff's Office responded to the shooting and said it received a 911 call at 3:50 p.m. Monday.

The Sheriff's Office said it could not release any further information and referred inquiries to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating the incident. The GBI responded late Tuesday saying a press release would be issued soon.

The victim's uncle, Tyrone Taylor, told the Tifton Grapevine that, from initial accounts, it appears that Myers was targeted and apparently knew the shooter.

"It appears he tried to defend himself and fought for his life," Taylor said. "When the suspect opened fire, Vincent appears to have tried to use his own firearm to defend himself. However, he was recovering from a surgery on his right hand from days ago. It may have been hard for him due to his injury."

Taylor said the family understands that a suspect may have been injured in the incident and sought medical attention Monday night at Tift Regional Medical Center, who notified law enforcement. The suspect was arrested and booked into the Tift County Jail, Taylor said.

He supplied a name of the possible suspect, and a man with that name was arrested shortly before 10 p.m. Monday.

Antavio Pierce has been charged with felony murder and aggravated assault, according to booking information from the Tift County Jail. However, no official confirmation has been released regarding the incidents to which the charges refer.

Taylor said his nephew was a U.S. Army veteran and a family man, leaving behind his wife Brittany and three children.

"Vincent’s body was transported to the (GBI) Crime Lab. Arrangements are incomplete at this time pending investigation," Taylor said.

ANOTHER MAN FACES MURDER CHARGE IN RECENT TIFTON DEATH

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Authorities have arrested another man in connection with the shooting death of a Tifton man in early July.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office on July 16 arrested Kadeem Harris Jr., 34 of Lenox, charging him with felony murder and aggravated assault. Harris was taken into custody at 109 E. 14th St. in Tifton after a brief standoff with law enforcement officials, the GBI said.

Travis Lamar Caruthers, 42, of Tifton, was found dead on Shanna Drive in Tifton on July 5. The GBI said he died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Also arrested in connection to the incident are:

Carlos Searcy, 48, of Tifton, charged with felony murder and aggravated assault;
Lakisha Perry, 35, of Tifton, charged with possession of fentanyl, possession of cocaine, and theft by receiving stolen property;
John Daniell, 47, of Eastman, charged with cocaine possession.

Harris is being held at the Coffee County Jail. Searcy, Perry, and Daniell are being held in the Tift County Jail, the GBI said Monday.

GBI ID's 4-YEAR-OLD REMAINS, DETERMINES AREA MAN DROWNED

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has identified human remains, found in a Cook County pond more than four years ago, as a Nashville man who apparently died from an accidental drowning, the GBI said.

The remains are of Jeremiah Garretson of Nashville, who was 36 when his body was found March 4, 2019, in a pond on Ed Lindsey Road in Lenox, the GBI said.

In 2019, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office had received a call about a partially decomposed body of a white male body in the pond. The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death was accidental drowning.

During the initial investigation, agents searched missing person reports from Cook, Berrien, Tift, Lowndes, Colquitt, Lanier, and Brooks counties with no matches. Agents obtained DNA and fingerprints from the remains and sent them to the GBI crime lab.

Scientists compared the DNA and fingerprints in federal databases with no matches. A GBI forensic artist created a sketch of what the person may have looked like, which was eventually distributed to the public. The sketch provided multiple leads, none of which produced a match, the GBI said. A case was also opened with the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

In late 2022, the GBI began working with Othram, a company that uses advanced DNA testing to solve cases. Othram, Inc., based in Texas, is a leader in using forensic-grade genome sequencing to develop comprehensive genealogical profiles. Earlier this year, the GBI sent forensic evidence to Othram. Based on the DNA, a genealogical search produced investigative leads that led to Garretson’s identification. Garretson’s family was notified in May about the identification.

The GBI said the Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office was instrumental, contributing funding for the testing and resources that eventually helped state agents close this unsolved case.

SEVERAL GROUPS GIVING AWAY SCHOOL SUPPLIES THIS WEEK

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

The Tift County Commission on Children and Youth’s (TCCCY) annual Back to School Resource Fair and School Supply Giveaway will be from 4-6 p.m. Thursday at the Tift County Recreation Department.

This is an opportunity to learn about services and resources that are available for families. Representatives of 36 organizations will be on site to share information. About 500 children and their families are expected to attend.

“Your child will leave with many of the school supplies they need,” said Lillie McEntyre, TCCCY executive director. “Children must be present to get supplies. No pick up for anyone else. First-come, first-served.”

Another School Supply giveaway, the 12th annual Mims Kids Inc. Stay in School Rally, begins at noon Saturday in the parking lot of 41 South Farmers Market, 2505 Main St. South.

It will be a drive-by event as long as supplies last. Children must be present to receive school supplies and clothing items.

Also, Elevate Church is having a school supply giveaway at 4-6 p.m. Sunday at Hilton Garden Inn.

CANADIAN SMOKE REACHES TIFTON, AFFECTS AIR QUALITY

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires has moved into the Tifton area, causing potential air-quality issues for some individuals.

Hazy skies were evident Tuesday and are expected to continue through Wednesday, the National Weather Service said. The air quality index (AQI) Tuesday in Tifton measured 135, which is considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups," the Weather Service said.

Sensitive groups include children, seniors, people with respiratory conditions, and those with weakened immune systems. These folks are encouraged to limit outdoor activity until the air quality improves.

The smoke, dry conditions, and high temperatures created poor air-quality conditions throughout North and Middle Georgia during the past couple of days. Atlanta's AQI hit near 150 while Macon recorded even poorer air quality at 160 Tuesday.

Approximately 25 million acres have burned this year during Canada's record wildfire season, creating thick smoke that is triggering air quality alerts across Canada and much of the United States.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Applications Are Invited by All Qualified Persons for

THE POSITION OF: Marketing/Public Relations Professional

ANNUAL SALARY: Commensurate with Experience

GENERAL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS: This grant-funded position will work with faculty and staff at the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health on developing and promoting a citizen science data collection program for invasive species (www.wildspotter.org). This position will also lead the promotion and marketing of all Center programs and services (www.bugwood.org).

Specific job responsibilities include working with center leadership and leading a team that will promote or create an intended public image for Wild Spotter and Center, collaboratively developing marketing and fundraising campaigns affiliated with this project and the Center, producing marketing/PR content across a variety of mediums, and establishing/maintaining relationships with representatives of the Federal/State/Local partners.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field with experience interpreting scientific material into accessible messages and stories, and designing effective communication campaigns tailored to specific target audiences.

INQUIRIES: For more details and to apply, go to: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/326869. You may also contact Chuck Bargeron at [email protected] with any questions.

TIFT BOE HONORS CUSTODIAN ON DUTY

WHEN OFFICE FIRE BEGAN

The Tift County Board of Education on Thursday recognized Tangela Coney for her quick action during a fire July 10 at the school system's Administrative Office.

Coney, a Facilko Services staff member, was working as a custodian at the Administrative Office building that evening when she smelled smoke. She immediately called 911, averting a possible catastrophe. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to one office.

Coney is pictured with Schools Superintendent Adam Hathaway.

Pearlie Mae Gaither celebrates her 102nd birthday last Sunday at the Rehabilitation Center of South Georgia in Tifton.

AREA WOMEN CELEBRATE

101st, 102nd BIRTHDAYS

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Two significant birthdays occurred this past weekend.

Catherine Tift Porter, the last surviving grandchild of Tifton’s founder, Capt. Henry Harding Tift, celebrated her 101st birthday in style last Saturday, July 15, in Atlanta. She is the daughter of Thomas Willingham Tift, who Mike Brumby of Tifton said was his grandfather’s brother.

“He presided over things in Tifton,” Brumby said.

Pearlie Mae Gaither, a resident of the Rehabilitation Center of South Georgia in Tifton celebrated her 102ndbirthday on Sunday, July 16. She has always loved gardening and staying active.

“She is still socially and physically active as she is able,” said Rehab Center Activities Director Tony Sorrells.

Gaither was born in Coffee County, in the Broxton area, said her son, Robert Lavender. She was one of 10 girls and one boy; when she and her late husband had children, she had eight boys and one girl.

Lavender said he visits his mother weekly and always brings her a coffee and an apple pie from McDonald’s.

“I always quote the 23rd Psalm, and she chimes in. I’ll have prayers with her, and she says, ‘Amen, Amen, Amen. Praise the Lord,’” Lavender said.

Gaither has a large family with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren.

Director of Children’s Ministries

Tifton First United Methodist Church (TFUMC) in Tifton, Georgia (https://www.tiftonfirst.org) is searching for a full-time

Director of Children’s Ministries / Christian Education.

We are looking for an individual who is a solid role model and spiritual director with an energetic, enthusiastic, and creative spirit to lead these program ministries at TFUMC. The Director will work with other staff under the direction of the Senior Pastor, the Staff Parish Relations committee and the Children’s Leadership Committee to develop and conduct overall children’s educational programs

and ministries for TFUMC.

Director of Children’s Ministries:

Primary responsibilities will be focused on Infant thru 5th Grade and include oversight of the nursery program. The Director will work with other staff members under the direction of the Senior Pastor to develop overall educational programs and ministries for TFUMC.

The Director should possess or be pursuing a bachelor's degree; have experience working with and developing children’s ministries and/or children’s educational programs; and possess

a strong personal faith consistent with the United Methodist tradition.

The Director should also be a vibrant, energetic person who can get TFUMC members excited about the Lord and can recruit and motivate volunteers to lead and teach under his/her direction.

The Director will:

plan, develop, and implement children’s ministry program (nursery through 5th grade)
be the day-to-day leader of children’s ministries
recruit and train volunteers and ensure adequate volunteer support
ensure adequate adult-to-children ratios
be a liaison between the church and other community organizations, people, and resources that relate to FUMC children’s ministries
coordinate children’s ministry curriculum
assist in recruiting and provide ongoing support for teachers and facilitators
ensure that records of participation in programs are maintained
develop and manage the children’s educational ministry budget
communicate in a timely manner as effectively as possible using all available resources (email, website, social media, newsletter, bulletin board, etc.)
work with other staff members and maintain a teamwork mentality
ensure that the Safe Sanctuary Policy is observed in all children’s ministry settings
make themselves available on an advisory basis to leadership of other age-level educational programs
manage social media communication for children’s ministry
plan and facilitate children’s events such as VBS

This is considered a Full-Time, permanent staff member of TFUMC. We expect the Director to work with, support ministries of other staff members and to be a vibrant and visible member of TFUMC staff.

Qualifications include:

having or nearing completion of a bachelor’s degree in appropriate area of study
experience working with and developing Christian Children’s Ministries and/or children’s educational programs
the ability and vision to develop and implement sustainable leadership structures and programs
demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills
the ability to communicate well with children, parents, volunteers and other staff members
possess a strong personal faith consistent with the United Methodist tradition
an understanding of, and ability to use digital technology and social media to communicate with children, parents, and staff (Remind, Canva, Google Docs, Microsoft Windows software)

Salary and benefits commensurate with education and experience.

Position available August 15, 2023 – Applications accepted until position is filled.

To apply: please EMAIL a current resume; a one-page statement summarizing

why you are interested in and qualified to fill this position; names

and contact information for three (3) references.

Please EMAIL the items to: [email protected]

J. Michael Moore, Chairman, Staff Parish Relations Committee,

Tifton First United Methodist Church, 107 West 12th St., Tifton, GA

www.tiftonfirst.org

Casey and Amber Cheshire, with their son, use clues to arrive at the ABAC Stallion statue, part of the Seek & Save Scavenger Hunt on Saturday. The event was a fundraiser for Simply Grace Animal Rescue.

LOCAL FAMILY WINS SCAVENGER HUNT FOR ANIMAL RESCUE

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Amber S. Cheshire and her family won the Seek & Save Scavenger Hunt last Saturday, a fundraiser for Simply Grace Animal Rescue.

Amber and her husband, Casey, and one-year-old son located and took selfies at each of 12 locations in and around downtown Tifton and finished the project on time.

Matilda, their boxer, even won some goodies in the Tifton Scavenger hunt.

The idea originated with rescue director Candas Bennett; Tammy Burgess and Bonnie Sayles helped with the ideas and locations.

Sponsors of the event were: Paw Paradise, Brook's Body Shop, Insurance Unlimited, Southern Appliance, Tifton Grapevine, Irwin Animal Clinic, and Southern Technologies.

STATE PROGRAM HELPS SOME GEORGIANS QUALIFY FOR MEDICAID, REP. HOUSTON SAYS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

State Rep. Penny Houston, R-Nashville, says local residents should be aware of Georgia Pathways to Coverage, a new program aimed to help low-income residents qualify for Medicaid.

Georgia Pathways covers many of the same medical services as Medicaid, including doctor visits, hospital stays and emergency services, prescriptions, labs and X-rays, and more.

“The Georgia Pathways program recognizes the thousands of hard-working Georgians who fall through the cracks of traditional Medicaid,” Houston said.

“This innovative approach will be highly beneficial to low-income individuals who are bettering themselves or preparing for the workforce, whether that’s through college, job training programs or community service. This could also fill a gap for workers who may not receive insurance through their current employer.”

Administered by the state Department of Community Health, Georgia Pathways provides Medicaid to Georgians ages 19-64 who have a household income of up to 100% of the federal poverty level, are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid, and meet a qualifying activities threshold.

The program seeks to support low-income Georgians currently in the workforce or are seeking to become employed. To be eligible, one must perform one or more qualifying activities for a total of 80 hours each month. Qualifying activities include full-time or part-time employment, higher education, on-the-job training or job readiness programs, community service, and vocational educational training.

To apply online, Click Here. Residents may also apply via mail or in person at a local Division of Family and Children Services office. Initial applications may also be submitted at 877-423-4746.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

“Brittney” is among the felines available for adoption at the Tift County Animal Shelter. To adopt Brittney and to see other pets available, visit the shelter between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

Pets of the Week are sponsored by:

Branch's Veterinary Clinic

205 Belmont Ave., Tifton, 229-382-6055

TWIN BRICK WAREHOUSE NEARS COMPLETION AT TIFT & SECOND STREETS

~ JULY 20, 1925

A new brick tobacco warehouse building, a near duplicate to the adjacent brick Banner Warehouse at the corner of Tift Avenue and Second Street, was nearing completion on July 20, 1925, for use in that year's tobacco market. The site, purchased by the Tifton Investment Co., was formerly the Tifton Commissionary lot and had been part of the property of the Tift Sawmill, which closed in 1916.