Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a shooting that killed 5-year-old Peyton Roberts and 19-year-old Jotavis Leverette in Americus. Ricky Martin, 19, and Ny’Tavion Smith, 20, face charges including felony murder and aggravated assault following the February 8 attack that also injured a third person.
The Details: Ricky Martin of Americus was arrested February 10 and charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery after Leverette died from injuries sustained in the shooting. Martin remains held at the Sumter County Jail.
Ny’Tavion Smith was arrested February 13 during a search warrant carried out by the GBI and Americus Police Department. Smith faces charges of felony murder and aggravated assault.
The Crime:
- Peyton Roberts, 5, died at Phoebe Sumter Hospital shortly after the shooting.
- Jotavis Leverette, 19, succumbed to injuries February 10 after being transferred to an undisclosed hospital.
- A third victim, whose name has not been released, survived non-life-threatening injuries.
- The shooting occurred around 8:30 p.m. February 8 in the 600 block of Eastview Circle.
How You Can Help: The GBI urges anyone with information to contact their Americus office at 229-931-2439, the Americus Police Department at 229-924-3677, or submit anonymous tips at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at Submit Tips Online, or via the See Something, Send Something app.
⚠️ Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
