VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - One person is dead, and three others are injured following a shooting at Jay Boy’s Travel Center on Madison Highway, according to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office, along with other local law enforcement agencies, responded to reports of an active shooter at the business located at 3661 Madison Highway on Sunday, May 3. Deputies located four people who had been shot and took the suspected shooter into custody without incident.

Three victims were transported to South Georgia Medical Center and are receiving treatment. A fourth victim died from his injuries.

The deceased victim has been identified as Damani Bentley of Valdosta.

The suspect has been identified as Jabari Nelms of Valdosta. Nelms is being held at the Lowndes County Jail and faces multiple charges, including murder.

The sheriff’s office said preliminary investigation indicates the victims and the suspect were all employees of the business and were working at the time of the incident.

Witness account

An associate at the Dollar General across the street from the travel center said an employee from the A&W inside the center ran into their store and alerted them that there was a shooting.

Angela Bargeron, a Dollar General sales associate, said the A&W employee described what happened.

“The dishwasher, he had been bringing a backpack to work lately. And he just ended up snapping,” Bargeron said. “She said nobody was bothering him; nobody was messing with him or nothing. He just snapped, and he pulled out a gun, and he was going for a certain person, I’m not sure who, but that person’s cousin got in the way to try to save, you know, to prevent the cousin from getting shot.”

Deputies are working to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting.

The travel center is temporarily closed, according to its online status.

Traffic on I-75 was heavily backed up as investigators worked at the scene.

Statement from the family

“Damani was a beloved son, a cherished brother, a respectful young man, and a true friend to many. He carried a bright future ahead of him and touched countless lives with his kindness, spirit, and presence.”

Donations to support Bentley’s family can be sent via Cash App: $Beauti4ulOne.

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