UPDATE DEC 15, 2023:
VPD released the following update to this case:
On December 15, 2023, detectives obtained arrest warrants on Sheraka Washington, 36 years of age, for her involvement Baig’s death. Detectives arrested Washington on December 11, 2023, on unrelated charges. She is still in custody at Lowndes County Jail.
James and Washington have both been charged with:
· Murder during the commission of a felony-felony;
· Malice murder-felony;
· Aggravated assault 2 counts-felony; and
· Robbery by force.
UPDATE DEC 14, 2023:
VPD released the following update to this case:
Through investigation, detectives identified Daja Kalice James, 18 years of age, as a responsible party in causing 73-year-old Farooq Baig’s death. On December 12, 2023, detectives received information that James was eating at a restaurant in Valdosta.
Detectives made contact with her inside and detained her without incident. James was transported to Lowndes County Jail and she has been charged with:
· Murder during the commission of a felony-felony;
· Malice murder-felony;
· Aggravated assault 2 counts-felony; and
· Robbery by force.
“This was great work by our detectives, quickly following up on every piece of information they received. They worked countless hours to ensure this offender was arrested, and she can now be held accountable for her actions.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan.
ORIGINAL STORY:
- Valdosta Police are treating the death of an elderly man in an area business as a homicide.
- VPD said he was found Friday morning near gaming machines hidden in the back of a store.
- Learn more about the investigation and how you can help below.
VPD NEWS RELEASE:
On December 8, 2023, at approximately 9:00 am., Valdosta Police Officers responded to a business in the 2100 block of Bemiss Road after E911 received a call about a subject being inside the store that was possibly deceased. When officers and Emergency Medical Services arrived at the business, they found a male approximately 70 years of age, deceased inside the business near gaming machines which were hidden in the back of the store.
Detectives and Crime Scene personnel responded to the scene to investigate. Currently, detectives are treating the case as a homicide. This incident appears to be an isolated event. The victim will be transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
There have been many conflicting stories posted by individuals on social media that are incorrect and were not released by the Valdosta Police Department.
The case is under investigation, and nothing further will be released at this time.
If anyone has any information on this case, please contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, or the crime tip line at 229-293-3091.
