STAFF REPORT :::
A 46-year-old man, Rafael Thomas, was shot and killed Friday night on Tinsley Street.
The Griffin Police Department responded to 116 W. Tinsley St., at approximately 7 p.m. in response to a report of a person shot.
Thomas was transported to the WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital emergency room where he died from injuries resulting from a gunshot wound to the upper body.
Authorities identified 35-year-old Sherod Banks as a suspect and a search warrant was obtained for Banks’ 131 W. Tinsley St. residence, leading to his arrest and the seizure of evidence including a 9mm handgun containing ammunition that allegedly matched the type and brand of a shell casing recovered at the crime scene.
Officials say they are uncertain what led to this incident, but witnesses did describe seeing Thomas and Banks arguing shortly before the shooting occurred.
Banks has been charged with malice murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Police say a suspect would not have been so quickly identified without the cooperation of area residents.
Banks has a lengthy criminal history and was active probation at the time of the shooting, police said.
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