Dontavius Marable, 17—Life Stolen While Working at McDonald’s

The community of Elberton, Georgia, is reeling from a tragedy that is as senseless as it is heartbreaking: the murder of 17-year-old Dontavius Marable. A vibrant teen known for his diligence and hard work at the local McDonald’s restaurant, Dontavius’s life was brutally extinguished on December 10, 2025, in a deadly shooting. The violence that invaded his workplace—a place where he was earning an honest living—has left a mark of fear and profound sorrow across the entire town.

The Unimaginable Scene and Immediate Aftermath

Police responded to the McDonald’s on Elbert Street late Tuesday night to find Dontavius suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, he tragically died from his injuries. The horror of a young life ending in such a violent manner, especially in a familiar public setting, is impossible to comprehend. The tragedy is further compounded by the arrest of a 15-year-old boy in connection with the crime. The youth of both the victim and the alleged perpetrator deepens the community’s grief and raises painful questions about the violence affecting local youth.

Mourning a Hard-Working Young Man

Dontavius Marable represented the promise of his generation—a hardworking young man making positive contributions to his community. His commitment to his job at McDonald’s spoke to his character and maturity. The loss of this potential, this future, is what the Elberton community is mourning most profoundly. His friends, family, and co-workers are left with the crushing reality that a promising life was stolen far too soon. We must stand with the Marable family, offering unwavering support as they navigate this unimaginable sorrow.

Resting in Peace: A Demand for Justice

We extend our deepest, most heartbroken sympathies to the family and friends of Dontavius Marable. May the ongoing investigation and the subsequent legal process bring swift justice for his murder. May Dontavius Marable rest in eternal peace.