Macon homicides rise in early 2026 vs. 2025, data shows. Who are the victims?
There were already half as many homicides in the first three months of 2026 compared to all violent deaths in 2025 in Macon, according to records analyzed by The Telegraph.
Fourteen people have been killed so far in 2026 compared to five by March 31, 2025, according to Bibb County coroner’s and sheriff’s office records analyzed by The Telegraph.
All but one of the victims this year died by gun violence, according to reports from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
February was the deadliest month with eight deaths, followed by five in January and one in March.
If people continue to be killed at the current rate, Macon could see 56 homicides by the end of 2026 — almost double last year’s total victims , according to an analysis by The Telegraph.
There were 29 violent deaths in 2025 in Macon, which was the lowest total since 2016, according to Mayor Lester Miller. Homicides decreased from 71 in 2022, to 40 in 2023 and then 39 in 2024, according to Miller and records from the Bibb County Coroner’s Office.
So far in 2026, 12 victims were Black and two were white; nine victims were men and five were women, records from Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones showed.
At least one suspect has been arrested in each killing this year, except in the death of Marquiz Dewayne Hoges, according to Chace Ambrose, a spokesperson for the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
Hoges was the most recent homicide victim in Macon, killed on March 6.
The average age of suspects was 28 years old, and the average age of victims was 29 years old.
Most homicides happened in west and south Macon.
What we know about the 2026 victims
Jan. 1: Ahmad Roberts, 27, was a musician known for his “free-spirited nature and independent personality,” his obituary said.
Jan. 6: Myles Jy-Aire Reign Walker, a 6-month-old, was “too beautiful for Earth,” his obituary said.
Jan. 8: Kianna Quandrica Lashae Slater, 33, was a homeless woman from McDonough, according to Jones. Slater was known as “Keke,” according to the National Gun Violence Memorial website.
Jan. 14: India Norwood Davis, 41, “helped raise a generation of kids” for nine years at The Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Allison Evans, CEO of The Methodist Home for Children & Youth in Macon, said in the comments of Davis’ obituary.
Jan. 16: D’Antwan Jamarco Wynes, 19, was a father and brother, his obituary said. He played varsity football at Rutland High School, according to Hudl, a sports streaming service.
Feb. 10: Ayana “LaChae” Smith, 28, was a mother and Northeast High School alum, according to what appeared to be her Facebook profile.
Feb. 17: Haliegh Summers, 21, “was disabled and always taken care of by her Mama,” her obituary said.
Feb. 17: Brande Summers, 49, “was a gifted artist,” her obituary said. “She was a homemaker.”
Feb. 21: Shaviz Montez Adams, 35, was a U.S. Army veteran and father who “developed a passion for music early in life and dreamed of becoming a music producer,” his obituary said. The Bibb County Coroner’s Office and his obituary spelled his first name as Shaviz, but the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office spelled it as Shavis.
Feb. 22: Willie Lee Cain III, 27, was remembered as respectful, humble and handsome, according to comments on his obituary. “I’ll never forget back in high school seeing him making everyone day just goofy, vibrant and full of life this man don’t care if you’re upset he will make a joke that will have you cracking up instantly it’s never a dull moment with this man,” Raven Harden said in the comments.
Feb. 22: Charleston Burnett III, 25, was a father with a “strong work ethic and determination,” who attended Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, “where he began developing the values and character that would guide him throughout his life,” his obituary said.
Feb. 22: Jordan “JD” Duane Gardner Sr., 25, was remembered by his sense of humor and loving nature. Sparkal Bryant, Garnder’s mother, commented on his obituary, “I’m going to miss your smile, your hugs, your jokes, and most of all your strict program! Watch over me baby boy until we meet again! ‘My bird.’”
Feb. 25: Montaego “Taego” Deshun Maxwell Sr., 45, was described as a trades worker who enjoyed dancing, drawing and spending time with family, according to his obituary. “He was a very real and direct person and that’s what most people loved and respected about him,” his obituary said.
March 6: Marquiz Dewayne Hoges, 42, was known as an approachable person, with a welcoming and inclusive demeanor, according to his obituary. “Marquiz was known as the ‘cool uncle’ among his nieces and nephews,” his obituary said. “He had a way of connecting with people from all walks of life, making friends wherever he went.”
