On August 4th, 2023, at approximately 9:24 pm Cordele Police Department Officers, along with Crisp County Sheriff’s Deputies, responded to a single vehicle accident in the area of Pateville Rd and 13th St. Upon arrival, they located a female driver who had suffered a single gunshot. She later passed away from her injury.

The incident occurred when the victim, whose name is being withheld, was driving South on 13th St, with two juveniles in the car. Through investigation it was revealed that one of the two juveniles in the backseat was handling a firearm, when it was discharged, striking the victim who was at the wheel, fatally wounding her. Immediate efforts were made to provide medical assistance, but sadly, the victim was pronounced deceased at the accident scene.

Officers later arrested the 15-year-old male juvenile that was responsible for her death. It was determined that he was the victim’s nephew.

The juvenile has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and wreckless conduct.

The Cordele Police Department extends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends mourning this tremendous loss.

We would like to thank the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol Post 30, for assisting our officers on scene and helping with other calls for service. We also would like to thank the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who responded and took over the investigation.