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UPDATE: 2-month-old safe after Amber Alert, father charged in man’s murder

AMERICUS, Ga. — An infant at the center of an Amber Alert Saturday morning has been found safe, and his father is in jail.

Americus police said it all started when they responded to a shooting in the 100 block of Carter Street in Americus at 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

The victim, identified as La’Warrior Gardener, 21, was taken to a hospital and later died.

The suspect, Demonte Everett Mayes Jr., 23, of Arlington, Texas, abducted his 2-month-old biological child and left the scene.

Detectives and the GBI issued an Amber Alert for the child.

Mayes’ car was seem on U.S. Highway 80 between Montgomery and Selma, Alabama by Alabama State troopers.

Police said Mayes was taken into custody and the child was found.

Mayes is being charged with murder, multiple counts of aggravated assault and kidnapping.

Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues, police said.

Anyone with any information about the case should call the Americus Police Department Tip Line 229-924-4102, or the Americus Criminal Investigation Division at 229-924-4550.