GBI Arrests 15-Year-Old in Elberton Homicide Investigation

ELBERTON, Ga. — A 15-year-old Elberton teen has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred Tuesday night inside a local restaurant, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The GBI said Justin Cleveland, 15, of Elberton, has been charged with malice murder and felony murder in the death of 17-year-old Dontavius Marable, also of Elberton.

The investigation began after the Elberton Police Department requested assistance from the GBI following a shooting at the McDonald’s restaurant located at 300 Elbert Street. Investigators said the incident occurred around 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, when an altercation between Cleveland and Marable began inside the restaurant.

According to the GBI, Cleveland allegedly pointed a handgun at Marable and fired, striking him. Marable later died from his injuries.

Cleveland was taken into custody and booked into the Wilkes Regional Youth Detention Center in Washington, Georgia. Authorities said he is being charged as an adult, and additional charges are expected.

Marable’s body will be transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Athens at 706-552-2309 or the Elberton Police Department at 706-213-3130. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the GBI tip line at 1-800-597-8477, online, or through the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.