This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
A Georgia man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly shooting another man in Butts County before fleeing the scene and hiding out for days.
Butts County Sheriff’s Office reports 20-year-old Cody Matthews is now behind bars in connection with the death of William Ryan Ray, 30. Authorities found Matthews hiding inside a home in Williamson, Georgia.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, authorities began searching for Matthews earlier this week after he allegedly shot Ray on Sunday afternoon in the Jackson Glenn subdivision in Butts County, close to a pool area.
The Jackson Progress-Argus reports that several children were around the area playing when the shooting occurred, according to witnesses at the scene.
“He is being transported to the Butts County jail, where he will face justice in the senseless murder of Ryan Ray,” Butts County SO said on Facebook. “I want to commend my staff and all agencies involved in bringing this coward to justice.”
Investigators initially thought Matthews shot the victim, then possibly took 21-year-old Autumn Keara Finlay against her will. They now say Finlay “is wanted for aiding and abetting a fugitive.”
At this time, it’s unclear if Finlay has been arrested or if she’s still facing charges, but AJC reports that she was found safe.
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Cody Matthews/Butts County Sheriff’s Office]
