CLAYTON COUNTY — The third suspect wanted in connection with a June 2023 murder of a 15-year old at Lovejoy Regional Park was arrested Monday, March 25, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office announced on March 26.
The CCSO said that based on pressure applied by the Lovejoy Police Department, the Clayton County Police Department and the Clayton County Fugitive Squad, Oliver Choyce surrendered to investigators without incident.
The Clayton County Police Department responded to a call on June 29, 2023 at 5:56 p.m. at 1935 McDonough Road, Hampton, (Lovejoy Regional Park) about a body being found in the back of the park near the wood line.
The victim, identified as Jamarious Deante Smith, 15, had been shot multiple times in the neck, head and arm and succumbed to his injuries, police said.
After an extensive investigation by the CCPD, detectives identified Choyce as a suspect.
On July 25, 2023, the following warrants were obtained for Choyce — felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of or attempt of a crime and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The CCSO’s Elite Fugitive Squad was then activated to apprehend Choyce, the CCSO said.
“Fugitive investigators worked days, nights, weekends, and holidays obtaining information and tracking Choyce,” a statement from the CCSO read.
Choyce was the last of three suspects to be arrested, the CCSO said.
Other suspects who were arrested were Kwame McGinty, 18, on June 30, 2023 and Alex Hampton, 17, on Oct. 30, 2023.
In January 2024, the CCSO posted a Facebook video urging Choyce to turn himself in.
Choyce is in custody at Martha K. Glaze Regional Youth Detention Center in Hampton, the CCSO said.
According to Clayton County Court records, Choyce was scheduled for a preliminary hearing March 29 in Magistrate Court.
Choyce was denied bond in a March 26…
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