2 arrested in connection with January murder investigation in Cordele

CORDELE, Ga. (WALB) - The Cordele Police Department (CPD) has arrested and charged two men in connection to a January death investigation.

According to CPD, on January 5, 2024, at around 1:00 a.m., officers with the Cordele Police Department were dispatched to Hilltop Apartments in the 200 block of W 24th Ave to a shooting call.

Upon the arrival of officers, victim Davieon Lavant, 31, was found shot. Crisp County EMS arrived and transported the victim to Crisp Regional Hospital for emergency treatment, he later died.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was requested to assist in the investigation.

During the course of the investigation, information was obtained to establish probable cause for the issuance of multiple arrest warrants. The first suspect was identified as 21-year-old Jayveon Royal. He was arrested and charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, per the release.

Kavien Butler, 19, the second suspect was arrested and charged with party to the crime of felony murder, and party to the crime of aggravated assault.

The Cordele Police Department, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Community Supervision, and the Mid-South Narcotics Task Force assisted with the investigations.

These cases are being prosecuted by District Attorney Brad Rigby of the Cordele Judicial Circuit.

As these cases remain active, anyone with information about these incidents should contact the Cordele Police Department at (229) 276-2921 or non-emergency 911 at (229) 276-2690, the GBI Region 3 Office at (229) 931-2439, the GBI Tipline 1 (800)597-8477 or online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.

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