Deputies from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting incident early Saturday morning in Appling that left 6-year-old Jayden Butler injured.
According to Maj. Steve Morris, deputies were called to 5608 Washington Road around midnight by Jasmine Curry, who reported that her son had been shot in the right forearm while seated in her 2010 Hyundai Sonata. Curry initially suspected her boyfriend, Calvin Robinson, had fired the shot. Robinson, who was a passenger in the vehicle, allegedly discharged rounds toward 5608 Washington Road. However, Robinson claimed no knowledge of the shooting.
Jasmine Curry’s two other children, Calvin Pruitt (2 years old) and Jamon Butler (14 years old), were also in the vehicle but were not injured. They were subsequently placed in the care of their grandfather, Abe Curry.
Upon investigation, deputies discovered cocaine and a handgun inside the vehicle. A Taurus 9mm handgun and narcotics were seized from the scene. The vehicle had a bullet hole near the trunk’s license plate, which is believed to be the round that struck Jayden, who was seated in the middle of the back seat.
Jayden Butler was transported to WellStar MC Health for treatment and is reported to be in good condition.
The shooting reportedly happened after a party for an 88-year-old woman in the area. Tiffany Luke wrote this on Facebook: “Unfortunately this happened after my grandmother’s party last night & there’s a lot to the story! It’s just sad all around. Prayers for Jayden!”
Witnesses interviewed at both the hospital and the residence indicated that the shooting stemmed from an argument between Curry and Robinson at a party held at the residence. Witnesses stated that Robinson was brandishing a handgun and making threats before and during the argument. When the couple left the residence, Robinson reportedly waved the gun in the air and fired from the vehicle.
Witness Ronelle Lazenby admitted to returning fire from a driveway on Washington Road. Lazenby used a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun, and shell casings from both a 9mm and a .40 caliber handgun were recovered from the scene.
Following the investigation, several arrests were made:
- Jasmine Curry (33, Augusta) faces charges of DUI, Endangering a Child, No Insurance, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. Her bond has been set at $15,700.
- Calvin Robinson (32, Augusta) is charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, and Possession of Drugs Schedule II. No bond has been set.
- Ronelle Lazenby (35, Hephzibah) is charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. No bond has been set.
The investigation is ongoing, authorities said.
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