TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting and car theft on Meriadoc Road, according to the Tallahassee Police Department. The arrests followed a thorough two-day investigation conducted by the department’s Violent Crimes Unit.
On January 29, at approximately 7:11 a.m., officers responded to a call on the 1800 block of Meriadoc Road, where a deceased individual was found in the roadway. Detectives determined that the victim had driven two suspects—17-year-old Thailan Williams and 19-year-old Deshan Jones, both of Tallahassee—to the location around 1:14 a.m. After exiting the vehicle, the victim was shot without any apparent altercation or provocation.
Following the shooting, Williams and Jones allegedly fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle, with Jones driving. At approximately 3:09 a.m., a Florida Highway Patrol officer attempted to stop the vehicle near the Leon-Jefferson County Line for a traffic violation. The driver fled, eventually crashing the vehicle near the Jefferson County Courthouse. Both suspects then fled on foot.
On January 30, members of the United States Marshals Task Force apprehended Williams and Jones near the 4100 block of Jackson Bluff Road without further incident. Both suspects face charges of first-degree murder and grand theft of a motor vehicle.
The Tallahassee Police Department thanked all agencies and individuals who assisted with the investigation, which brought justice and closure to the victim’s family. Authorities encourage the public to report any criminal activity by calling 850-891-4200 or anonymously through Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.
