Metter Police Department investigating homicide on North Trapnell Street

METTER, Ga. (WTOC) - The Metter Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred Thursday night on North Trapnell Street.

Officers responded at about 9:30 p.m. to a call of a reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers determined that Willie Cheley Jr. had been shot multiple times and was taken to Candler County Hospital by people at the scene. While at Candler County Hospital, Cheley Jr. succumbed to his injuries.

According to the Metter Police Department, investigators learned that there had been a domestic dispute and both parties separated. Police say the suspect, Juan Johnson, later approached Cheley and shot him several times.

Warrants have been obtained for Johnson offenses of Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault.

The Metter Police Department requested the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and they are participating in the investigation.

Police and GBI rode through the neighborhood, looking for any sign of Johnson. Investigators say Johnson and the victim Willie Cheley Jr. knew each other and got in some sort of argument before Cheley was shot several times and died.

They’re searching this neighborhood and anywhere else they think he could be.

“We’re actively looking for this individual. GBI is the lead investigator and has secured warrants for his arrest and we’re doing all we can to assist them in locating this individual,” said Capt. Kevin Wadley with Metter Police Department.

Johnson faces charges of felony murder and aggravated assault.

If you have any information about this case or the whereabouts of Juan Johnson, please contact your local 911, the Metter Police Department at 912-685-5437 or the GBI-Statesboro Field Office at 912-871-1121.

Copyright 2020 WTOC. All rights reserved.