Dontavius Marable was working behind the counter at a McDonald’s in Elberton when a routine evening shifted into tragedy — a verbal argument with a teen he knew turned deadly, and by morning a 15-year-old had surrendered to police.
What neighbors described as a familiar face in the restaurant ended with investigators confirming that Marable, 17, was shot and later died. Family members identified him and friends have been left reeling, saying he was just doing his job when the confrontation erupted. Authorities say the two teenagers were acquainted and that the exchange escalated quickly.
Police say the alleged shooter — because of their age, not named publicly — turned himself in to law enforcement the day after the shooting. Officials tell reporters the teen will face murder charges as investigators piece together what happened before the fatal shot. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken the lead on the case as local police continue interviews and review available footage.
A key and unsettling element in the case is that the argument was captured on video and has circulated online, according to investigators. That footage, authorities say, appears to show the two exchanging heated words just moments before the shooting. Detectives are combing through that and other community-sourced material as they build their timeline.
The shooting has rippled into local schools and among families across Elbert County. The district released a statement saying, “Our hearts are heavy for the many students, teachers, administrators, family members, and our community affected by the tragic event from last night. No words can express enough, but we stand committed to support Every Student, Every Day…” District leaders have been coordinating with law enforcement and school resource officers to make sure students feel safe and supported.
Community leaders and investigators have asked anyone with information to step forward. The GBI tip line and the Elberton Police Department numbers have been published for anonymous and direct leads — both remain crucial as authorities work through witness statements and digital evidence. If you have relevant information, please call the GBI Tip line at 1-800-597-8477 or the Elberton Police Department at 706-213-3130.
Friends, coworkers and people who passed the McDonald’s that night describe the mood as stunned — a small town unsettled by sudden violence in a place most of them thought of as ordinary. As the investigation continues, prosecutors will review the GBI’s findings and decide on formal charges beyond the initial murder filing; community members say they want answers, accountability, and something to explain how a simple argument became a life lost.
For now, the scene is quieter, and people close to Marable are planning memorials and sharing memories of a teenager whose life was cut short. The police and the GBI continue to ask anyone who saw what happened, who may have video, or who heard anything about the argument to call the tip lines — small details could matter.
*(Photos above were sourced from news outlets and social posts reporting on the Elberton McDonald’s shooting and related statements.)*
