ATHENS, Georgia — The Athens community is grappling with grief and shock following a deadly early-morning shooting that left two young men dead and another critically injured on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Authorities have since arrested a suspect in connection with the incident, as friends, families, and neighbors struggle to come to terms with the violence.
According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 2:20 a.m. on the 400 block of North Jackson Street. When police arrived, they discovered three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Tragically, two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities identified them as 22-year-old Clayton Adams and 19-year-old Dylan Bentley. Bentley’s family publicly confirmed his passing, expressing profound grief and sorrow over the sudden loss of their loved one.
The third victim, 20-year-old Landon Skinner, survived but sustained serious injuries, including a gunshot wound to the eye. He was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Family members say additional procedures may be required as his condition stabilizes.
Following the investigation, police arrested 22-year-old Mark Desousa of Jefferson. He faces charges including malice murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery in connection with the shooting. Shanna Roe, the mother of the surviving victim, described the emotional toll the incident has taken on her family. She revealed that Desousa had been a close friend of her son for approximately six years, intensifying the heartbreak for the family.
Authorities have not released details on what led to the shooting or the motive behind it. Detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses as the investigation remains active. No court date has been announced for the suspect, leaving the Athens community searching for answers while mourning the loss of two young lives and supporting the recovery of the surviving victim.
