Kidnapping, murder suspect headed back to Georgia

Published 9:32 am Wednesday, January 22, 2020

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A Georgia fugitive wanted for murder and kidnapping charges appeared in Dallas County Court on Tuesday morning.

Demonte Everett Mayes Jr., 23, waived extradition on murder and kidnapping charges in front of Dallas County District Court Judge Bob Armstrong, according to Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson.

Jackson also said Mayes will be transported back to Americus, Georgia from the Dallas County Jail over the next few days to face kidnapping and murder charges.

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ALEA state troopers in Dallas County arrested Mayes last Saturday, hours after the murder and abduction of his biological son, 2-month-old Draco Leigh Mayes. The infant was recovered.

Americus Police Chief Mark Scott said officers responded at 6:33 a.m. Saturday to a home on Carter Street in Americus on a report of a person shot. Authorities identified the shooting victim as 21-year-old La’Warrior Gardener, who died a short time later at the hospital.

“Hopefully, this will be the last we see of Demonte Everett Mayes Jr.,” Jackson said.

Mayes faces charges in Georgia including murder, multiple counts of aggravated assault and kidnapping.