A’darius Jashawn Williams, a 19-year-old resident of Manchester, was apprehended by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on January 2, 2024, in connection with the death of Brandon Smith, the 17-year-old football star from Manchester High School
Smith, who had been reported missing, was found deceased on December 10, 2023. Following this discovery, the Manchester Police Department requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to conduct an inquiry into the case.
Who is A’darius Jashawn Williams arrested for the murder of Manchester High School, Georgia football player Brandon Smith
‼️UPDATE FROM GBI‼️
GBI agents arrested and charged one man for murder in the investigation into the shooting death of Manchester High School student #BrandonSmith.Here’s our statement:
The GBI has arrested and charged A’darius Jashawn Williams, age 19, of Manchester,… pic.twitter.com/2x0YY3B9Vb
— A Voice For The Voiceless (@AwarenessTCS) January 3, 2024
Williams’ Arrest
According to a statement released by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, authorities suspected foul play after finding Brandon Smith’s body. A’darius Jashawn Williams was subsequently arrested, booked into the Meriwether County Jail, and charged with murder.
The statement further revealed that Brandon Smith was last seen on December 7, 2023, and was reported missing two days later.
On December 10, 2023, a 911 caller reported the discovery of a dead body behind a residence on 3rd Avenue in Manchester, Georgia.
Subsequent investigation confirmed the body to be that of Brandon Smith. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation determined that Williams shot and killed Smith following an argument in Manchester.
In a statement, police revealed “The body was determined to be Smith and police suspected foul play. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Williams shot and killed Smith following an argument in Manchester, Georgia. Williams was booked into the Meriwether County Jail.”
Relationship Between Williams & Smith
Media reports reveals uncertainty regarding the relationship between A’darius Jashawn Williams and Brandon Smith.
The news highlighted that Brandon Smith, a defensive lineman for Manchester High School’s football team, was found dead a day before the team’s scheduled state championship game.
Reports indicated that Maxine Smith, Brandon’s grandmother, had reported him missing and was informed of his tragic death by the football coach, Stephen Holmes.
The news statement noted that Brandon’s teammates paid tribute to him during the state title game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, symbolically walking his jersey to the 50-yard line.
Coach Stephen Holmes expressed his grief, stating, “He was a very important part of us getting here. You know (I’m) just all numb right now.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation emphasized that the investigation remains active, with the case file set to be handed over to the Meriwether County District Attorney’s Office upon completion for prosecution.