*****UPDATE : SUSPECT IN CUSTODY FROM GIBBS APARTMENT MURDER*****
Marianna Police Chief Hayes Baggett released an update on the murder of Gary Jerome Davis at Gibbs Apartments on December 14, 2025.
Investigators had identified David Arthur Smith, a black male, 19 years of age, as a suspect in this case. Smith had an active warrant for an open count of murder. On Friday evening, December 19, 2025, Smith was taken into custody by the Orlando Police Department without incident.
The Marianna Police Department would like to thank the Orlando Police Department and the Tallahassee Police Department for their assistance in this investigation, along with the United States Marshals Service and all assisting agencies previously mentioned. Their cooperation and support were instrumental in bringing this matter to a safe resolution.
Chief Baggett also praised his officers, Captain Scarborough, Lieutenant Griffin, Lieutenant Riley for their hard work and the handling of this case and an appreciation for Lieutenant Vasssallo for returning early from a scheduled vacation to assist with the case.
This investigation remains active, and detectives are continuing to follow multiple leads. Additional arrests are possible as the case progresses. No further information is being released at this time.
Homicide Investigation Update – Gibbs Apartment Complex
On December 14, 2025, at approximately 5:20 p.m., officers with the Marianna Police Department responded to the Gibbs Apartment Complex, located at 2933 Milton Avenue, in reference to a report of a person who had been shot multiple times. Upon arrival, officers attempted to render lifesaving aid; however, those efforts were unsuccessful. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The victim has been positively identified as Gary Jerome Davis Jr., age 30, of Greenwood, Florida. Next of kin have been notified.
As a result of the ongoing homicide investigation, Jashawn Arthur Jones was identified as being involved in the incident and was taken into custody. Jones made his first appearance before a judge and was initially assigned a $25,000.00 bond. Jones is charged with Accessory After the Fact to Murder, in violation of Florida Statute 777.03(2)(b).
