Four arrested in connection with shots fired at Stephens County High School

By: Brian Wellmeier

Photo: Stephens County Sheriff's Office

Four people now face charges after gunfire erupted outside Stephens County High School during the evening of school sporting events earlier this month, prompting a lockdown and multi-agency investigation, according to authorities.

According to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of shots fired in the student parking lot on the night of Feb. 10, while two athletic events were underway on campus. School administrators, assisted by school resource officers, placed the campus on lockdown for around 30 minutes as law enforcement secured the area and confirmed there was no ongoing threat.

Investigators later determined the shooting stemmed from an alleged gang-related confrontation.

Students from multiple counties had gathered for a basketball matchup between Stephens County and Hart County high schools. Authorities say a verbal dispute between at least two individuals escalated into a physical fight in the parking lot, during which one suspect allegedly fired about nine rounds before fleeing the scene in a red Nissan Altima driven by another individual.

Following interviews and the execution of search warrants, arrest warrants were obtained for Ja’Nareon Riley, 17, of Lavonia, and Kyairre “Noodle” Thomas, 24, of Royston.

Authorities said Riley – identified as the alleged shooter – turned himself in at the Stephens County Jail around 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 11. Thomas, identified as the alleged driver, surrendered later that evening, according to police. Investigators say both suspects are affiliated with the Bloods criminal street gang.

Riley has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, discharging a firearm on school property and two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony. He remains jailed without bond.

Thomas has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and participation in criminal street gang activity. He is also being held without bond.

As the investigation progressed, authorities arrested Jalashe Gray, 33, also of Lavonia, accusing her of helping Riley conceal evidence. She was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony for hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence. Gray was released the same day on a $20,000 bond.

A fourth suspect, Tykerion Brown, 17, of Toccoa, was initially taken into custody at the high school on Feb. 13 on an obstruction charge and released on bond.

Investigators later filed additional warrants charging him with two counts of aggravated assault and participation in criminal street gang activity. He was re-arrested on campus Feb. 17 and remains in custody awaiting a bond hearing.

Officials say the case remains active as investigators continue pursuing leads related to gang activity connected to the incident.