VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - A shooting investigation in Valdosta has led to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of multiple firearms and marijuana, according to the Valdosta Police Department (VPD).

On January 7, 2026, at around 5:45 a.m., E911 received a call reporting a shooting at a convenience store in the 1400 block of East Park Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they found that a store clerk had been shot at multiple times.

The clerk suffered superficial injuries to the side of his head and one apparent gunshot wound to his torso. Officers immediately provided first aid until South Georgia Medical Center Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported the victim to the hospital. Police say the injuries were non-life-threatening.

Detectives and crime scene personnel with the VPD responded to the scene and launched an investigation into the incident.

On January 9, 2026, detectives identified a vehicle believed to be involved in the shooting. Officers later located the vehicle and found Elisha Hayes Jenkins, 19, and Augustus Shammond Bellamy, 23, inside, along with a rifle. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident.

Following the arrests, detectives responded to Bellamy’s residence, where they seized an AR-style pistol, two handguns, and approximately 95 grams of marijuana. Police say one of the handguns had been reported stolen and was equipped with an automatic switch.

Jenkins and Bellamy were transported to the Lowndes County Jail.

Jenkins has been charged with

• Aggravated assault
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Bellamy has been charged with

• Aggravated assault
• Party to the crime
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Possession of a machine gun
• Theft by receiving stolen property (firearm)
• Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
• Possession of drug-related objects

“I am very proud of our detectives and staff for their diligence and perseverance in investigating this case,” said Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan. “Because of their work, they seized several firearms out of the hands of those who should not have had them and removed dangerous subjects from our community.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

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