A deadly shooting at an illegal “shot house” in Macon, Georgia, has left one man dead and six others injured, with local authorities highlighting the dangers of bootlegging operations. The incident occurred early Thursday morning at a residence on Macon’s south side, marking the second fatal shooting at the location this year.
Victim identified; argument escalated to gunfire
Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies reported that Jawasiki Deuventa Guyton, 34, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. Another man remains in critical condition, while five other victims are expected to recover. Sheriff David Davis explained at a press conference that an argument among attendees escalated when someone pulled out a gun and began firing indiscriminately.
“There was a mix of alcohol, guns, and tempers flaring, which is a dangerous and, in this case, deadly combination,” Davis said.
Investigation underway, suspect sought
Deputies are seeking to identify a suspect but have not yet released a name. While there were many witnesses, Davis noted that some are reluctant to cooperate due to their involvement in illegal activities or alcohol consumption. Investigators have a blurry image of a dark vehicle linked to the scene and are requesting additional photos or videos to aid the investigation.
Authorities may also pursue charges against the property owner for permitting illegal alcohol sales. Sheriff Davis emphasized that the location had been targeted previously in efforts to crack down on bootlegging.
Recurring issue of illegal alcohol sales
The residence has a troubled history. A person was fatally shot at the same house in January, and deputies have been working to shut down “shot houses” in the neighborhood for over a year. In November 2023, multiple arrests were made at the site and another nearby residence. Although activity at the house subsided for several months, Davis confirmed that illegal alcohol sales had resumed in recent weeks.
“It’s like playing Whac-A-Mole,” Davis remarked. “We shut it down in one place, and they pop up somewhere else.”
Calls for increased patrols
The shooting has prompted calls for more visible police presence in the neighborhood. Jake Fincher, owner of a nearby business, told WMAZ-TV, “The more you see patrols, the less crime there is. Out of sight, out of mind doesn’t work.”
Authorities continue their investigation as residents express concerns over recurring violence tied to illegal alcohol sales in the area.