Authorities searching for Auburn man facing capital murder charg - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Authorities searching for Auburn man facing capital murder charges

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Justin Wright (Lee County Sheriff's Office) Justin Wright (Lee County Sheriff's Office)

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(WTVM) -

Lee County sheriff deputies are searching for an 18-year-old Auburn man who faces capital murder charges.

Sheriff Jay Jones can't say for sure if 18-year-old Justin Wright is trying to avoid arrest, but Jones says the teen faces capital murder and if convicted he faces death or life in prison.

Wright did turn himself in shortly after the December 7 shooting that killed two people at a party in Loachapoka.

Wright was charged with one of the murders and made bond. Now, a grand jury has determined he committed both murderers and upgraded the charges.

"I can't say for certain, all I can say is that he is accused of shooting two men with a firearm and I think that speaks for itself," said Sheriff Jones when News Leader 9's Elizabeth White asked if Wright was armed and dangerous to the public.

The shooting happened after an argument at a party at a Loachapoka home in the 3100 block of Lee County Road 188

Lamar Shanks, 24, of Opelika and 44-year old Lamar Lockhart of Auburn were killed. The owner of the house was wounded in the arm.

Sheriff Jay Jones says investigators are trying to make contact with Wright.

If you have any information on where he is, you are asked to give them a call at 334-749-5651 and encourage the 18-year old to turn himself in.

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