ATHENS, Ga. – A devastating shooting early Saturday morning has left two young men dead and another in critical condition, shaking the Athens community and leaving families in grief and prayer. The incident occurred around 2:20 a.m. on North Jackson Street, when three young men were shot in what authorities describe as a chaotic and tragic event.
Twenty-two-year-old Clayton Adams was pronounced dead at the scene, while 19-year-old Dylan Bentley was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Another young man, 20-year-old Landon Skinner, survived but sustained a serious gunshot wound to the eye. He remains in the ICU at Grady Hospital, where doctors have already performed surgery and anticipate additional procedures once he stabilizes.
Police have arrested 22-year-old Mark Desousa of Jefferson in connection with the shooting. Investigators say the case is ongoing as they piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
For Landon’s mother, Shanna Roe, the pain is overwhelming. She described the heartbreak of seeing her son fighting for his life in a hospital bed, while also mourning the loss of the other two young men, who she said had tried to protect and help Landon during the shooting. Adding to her grief, Roe shared that the accused shooter had been Landon’s best friend for nearly six years.
Through her anguish, Roe is holding tightly to her faith, asking the community to pray for her son’s recovery. Her heartfelt messages on social media have resonated with many, as loved ones and strangers alike continue to offer prayers for Landon’s healing and strength for all families affected by this senseless act.
