An ongoing feud between a shooter and victim appears to be at the root of a shooting that took place last week in Jones County.
Kenneth Don Kitchens Jr., 30, was arrested Oct. 16 and charged with one count of aggravated assault.
Jones County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Crystal Murphy said the controversy between the two men had been going on for a while, and the circumstances of the shooting seemed to be random.
Murphy said Kitchens’ motorcycle was broken down at the intersection of Morris Stevens Road and Griswoldville Shortcut and the victim happened to pass by. She said from that point the stories from the men are different.
Kitchens is claiming self-defense, and the victim said Kitchens shot him for no reason. Murphy said Kitchens somehow got his motorcycle running and fled the scene after the shooting. The victim went to a nearby house for help.
A post of the JCSO Facebook page states deputies who arrived on the scene after the shooting found out Kitchens was possibly headed to Wilkinson County.
“Working in close coordination with the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office and the Gordon Police Department, deputies were able to locate Kitchens and take him into custody without further incident.”
Kitchens was charged with one count of aggravated assault, and the victim was transported by EMS to Atrium Health Navicent to receive medical treatment. Murphy said the wound was in the victim’s shoulder. He was treated and has since been released.
Lead Investigator Capt. Kenny Allen said the case remains under investigation.
Sheriff Butch Reece thanked neighboring law enforcement for their assistance.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office, Gordon Police Department, first responders, and EMS for their quick response and teamwork,” he said.
