Newton County Sheriff’s Office Issues Arrest Warrant for Armed and Dangerous Juvenile Suspect
Covington, GA – A tragic incident unfolded on the evening of May 13 when Newton County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 3100 block of Avery Drive in Covington in response to a report of a person shot. Upon arrival at approximately 6:15 p.m., deputies located the victim, David Gay, age 41, deceased inside his residence.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that the victim was allegedly fatally shot by his 16-year-old stepson, Jayden Daniel, also of Covington. Detectives believe the shooting occurred inside the family home, and the suspect fled the scene shortly afterward.
Jayden Daniel is now wanted on multiple felony charges, including:
- Murder
- Aggravated Assault
- Theft by Taking
- Possession of a Handgun by a Person Under 18
- Possession of a Firearm or Knife During the Commission of a Crime
Law enforcement officials are actively searching for Daniel and have classified him as armed and dangerous. Authorities are urging the public not to attempt to approach or confront him under any circumstances.
In an official statement, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) emphasized the seriousness of the case:
“We are working diligently to locate and safely apprehend the suspect. This is a heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected.”
As part of the ongoing investigation, the NCSO has released a photo of the suspect, Jayden Daniel, to help with identification.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance:
If you have any information regarding Jayden Daniel’s whereabouts, you are strongly encouraged to contact 911 immediately or reach out directly to Investigator James at 678-625-1543. All tips will be treated with urgency and confidentiality.
This tragic incident has stunned the Covington community, with neighbors expressing sorrow and disbelief over the violence that erupted in a quiet residential neighborhood. Authorities continue to work the case and are determined to bring justice to the victim’s family.
Stay tuned for updates as more details become available.