Get notified by email when this case is updated.
Written by: E. George
Published July 8, 2024 @ 6:30 PM ET
LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. – At approximately 5:50 PM on Saturday, June 29, 2024, police responded to a Jackson Drive residence regarding a report of an unresponsive female. Officers discovered 52-year-old Nita Ann Luke inside, covered in blood and displaying “obvious signs of trauma.” Emergency medical personnel arrived and pronounced her deceased.
Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan stated, “This is one of the most horrific crimes that I have seen. I am extremely proud of the teamwork between our first officers on the scene, deputies, detectives, and crime scene personnel, working quickly to identify the offender and taking him into custody.
Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Ms. Luke as they move forward in trying to understand why this unnecessary act of violence occurred.”
The victim’s 15-year-old grandson, who they found pacing back and forth in front of the home, faces charges of felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony. Officials said additional charges are possible.
Lowndes County Sheriff’s deputies and Valdosta police officers obtained evidence linking the grandson to Luke’s death. He was transported to a regional youth detention center, and his identity has not yet been released.
Chief Manahan stated, “This case had a domestic violence nexus with it, and what we suggest is that anytime anyone is in any type of situation, seek help before it gets to this level. This was a senseless act of violence that should not have occurred.”
Police said this case was an isolated incident with no threat to the public. Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Valdosta Police Department.
This case is pending.