ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A 24-year-old man died at Phoebe Main Hospital Sunday night after arriving with facial injuries and a puncture wound to his neck, according to Albany Police Department records.

Ricky Bernard Williams of Sylvester was pronounced dead at the hospital after being dropped off by two companions around 7:42 p.m. Sunday, police said.

Coroner Michael Fowler said he received a call about a cardiac arrest at approximately 8:30 p.m. and responded to the hospital. Upon examining Williams, Fowler noticed bruises on his face and contacted Albany police.

Investigation details

Officer Sharonda Harris observed multiple injuries on Williams’ body, including two knots on his forehead, a knot on the right side of his right eye, and a small puncture wound on the left side of his neck.

Hospital staff told police Williams was dropped off by a male and female who left shortly after he was admitted. Nurses said the pair arrived in a white truck but could not provide a vehicle description.

Police identified the two companions as Lavontay Lenard McDaniel, 26, of Sylvester, and Shameka Diane Bell, 28, of Albany. Both were transported to the Albany Law Enforcement Center for questioning.

At 8 p.m. on Jan. 8, APD posted on their Facebook account saying that McDaniel is wanted on the charge of felony murder. They asked that the public assist in locating McDaniel, as he is wanted in connection to Williams’ death.

It is unclear what happened between the time McDaniel was transported to the law enforcement center and the 8 p.m. APD post.

Witness account

McDaniel told police he had asked Williams for a ride to Albany to visit his girlfriend, Bell. McDaniel said Williams was supposed to go on a date with an unidentified woman.

McDaniel said when Williams picked him up, he noticed knots on Williams’ face and that Williams told them he had been “beat up.” During the drive to the hospital, McDaniel said Williams slumped over in the passenger seat and became unresponsive.

“McDaniel stated he started pushing on Ricky’s chest and yelling at him to wake up, but he didn’t,” the police report states.

Vehicle tracking

Police used Flock camera data to track the 2006 white Chevrolet Trailblazer owned by Dorothy Williams, 73, of Sylvester. The vehicle entered Albany at 7:04 p.m. and was tracked to various locations throughout the city before arriving at the hospital.

The case has been forwarded to Corporal S. Price with the Albany Police Department’s Investigations Division and remains active.

Suspect Arrested, More Expected

Ka’Moree Jackson, 17, has been charged with Felony Murder in connection with Williams’ death. Jackson is currently being held at the Dougherty County Jail.

Albany Police say the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to identify additional suspects involved in the incident. More arrests are expected.

How to Help

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact:

• Crime Stoppers: 229-436-TIPS
• Albany Police Department: 229-431-2100
• APD App: Submit an anonymous tip

Updates will be provided as new information becomes available for release.

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