The GBI on Wednesday announced a second arrest in the case of slain Fort Valley State University student Anitra Gunn.
Jaivon Abron, 22, of Valdosta was charged with concealing her death and making two false statements to police, said GBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Todd Crosby of the Perry office. Abron is friends with DeMarcus Little, who was Gunn's boyfriend and is charged with malice murder in her death. Crosby, speaking at a news conference, declined to say if agents think Abron was involved in the homicide. But Crosby said Abron also knew Gunn.
“They were all three friends,” he said.
Gunn was strangled, according to Little’s arrest warrant.
Authorities have not publicly discussed a possible motive. Little's attorney, Benjamin Davis, told reporters after a court hearing last week that Little is a respected, successful member of the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Gordon and wasn't capable of the murder, according to Macon TV station WMAZ.
Gunn's disappearance on Feb. 14 and the discovery of her body on Feb. 18 shot fear and sadness through Middle Georgia, especially at the downtown Fort Valley restaurant where she waited tables and at the historically black university she attended. Those who knew her recalled her as a personable and talented young woman who smiled often.
The GBI agent said the investigation is still active and could involve more arrests.
Crosby also issued an appeal for anyone who spots the missing bumper from Gunn’s car to notify law enforcement. The white Chevrolet Cruze turned up abandoned near Gunn’s home, its front bumper gone. Four days later, a Peach County deputy spotted what appeared to be a piece of the bumper on the side of a rural road. The rest of the bumper could be important to the case, GBI agent Crosby said.
The new charges come days before Gunn’s funeral, which is planned for Saturday.
Her father, Christopher Gunn, has asked for prayers and privacy as his family mourns and also launched a GoFundMe campaign to accept donations toward funeral and burial expenses.
“The ray of sunshine and the apple of our eye gained her heavenly wings,” the site reads. “Although we have so many unanswered questions, we are trusting in God thru it all. We are so THANKFUL for the outpouring of love, support and prayers from all over the country.”
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