Tragedy in LaGrange: One Dead, Six Injured in Seminary Street Shooting

Tragedy in LaGrange: One Dead, Six Injured in Seminary Street Shooting

LAGRANGE, Georgia — In the early hours of Sunday, June 8, 2025, a burst of gunfire shattered the peace of a LaGrange neighborhood, leaving one man dead and six others wounded. The incident unfolded around 1:00 a.m. at 105 Seminary Street, a location now marked by grief, confusion, and unanswered questions.

A Fatal Night

The victim who lost his life has been identified as Javen Dukes. Authorities confirmed Dukes died at the scene or shortly after the shooting from injuries sustained during the gunfire. His death has cast a heavy shadow over the community and raised serious concerns about escalating violence in the area.

The six other victims, all of whom sustained varying degrees of injuries, have been identified as:

• Montija Hand
• Aja Pruitt
• Jerdarious Blackmon
• Shakayla Cofield
• Titus Dunlap
• Ayonna Leonard

All were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Their current conditions have not been publicly released, though sources indicate that several were critically injured.

The Scene

Seminary Street, located near downtown LaGrange, was swarming with emergency personnel within minutes of the first 911 call. Witnesses reported hearing a rapid succession of shots, followed by chaos as people fled the area. Police quickly secured the scene and began collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working to determine what sparked the violence.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and the LaGrange Police Department has not released information on possible suspects or motives. Investigators are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident or who may have been in the vicinity at the time to come forward.

Community Impact

The Seminary Street shooting is the latest in a string of violent incidents that have rattled LaGrange in recent months, pushing residents to demand stronger community safety measures and more proactive policing.

“This isn’t who we are,” said a local pastor who asked not to be named. “This violence—it’s tearing our town apart. We need answers, and we need peace.”

LaGrange Mayor and city officials have yet to issue a formal statement but are reportedly coordinating with law enforcement to address community concerns and provide support for the victims’ families.

Ongoing Investigation

Police are processing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residential cameras in hopes of identifying the shooter or shooters. They’re also combing through phone records and witness statements as they piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the LaGrange Police Department at 706-883-2603 or anonymously through the Troup County Crime Stoppers tip line.

This shooting serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing gun violence crisis affecting communities across the country. As LaGrange grieves the loss of Javen Dukes and prays for the recovery of the other six victims, the city must also confront the deeper issues that led to this tragedy — and ask, what will it take to stop the bloodshed?