David Gay Death & Obituary: COVINGTON, GA — A tragic domestic shooting has left the Covington community in mourning after David Gay, 41, was fatally shot in his home on May 13, 2025. Authorities have identified the suspect as his 16-year-old stepson, Jayden Daniel, who is now the subject of an urgent manhunt.
Fatal Domestic Shooting Shocks Covington Neighborhood
The incident occurred on Avery Drive around 6 p.m., when Newton County deputies responded to a report of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers found David Gay deceased from a gunshot wound. Investigators quickly identified Daniel as the primary suspect in what appears to have been a domestic dispute turned deadly.
After the shooting, Daniel fled the scene in Gay’s 2016 Cadillac Escalade, later found abandoned at Denny Dobbs Park, approximately five miles from the crime scene. As of now, Jayden Daniel remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
Remembering David Gay: A Family Man and Good Neighbor
David Gay is being remembered by friends and neighbors as a quiet, kind-hearted man devoted to his family. Although his professional background remains unclear, it is believed he worked in a local industry such as retail or logistics. Married to Daniel’s mother, Gay was known for maintaining a peaceful household and being active in his neighborhood.
Neighbors frequently saw him working in his yard or participating in community events. His death has left a void that many in the community are struggling to comprehend.
Manhunt Intensifies as Authorities Seek Public Assistance
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office continues to pursue leads in the search for Jayden Daniel. Digital forensics teams are analyzing Daniel’s phone and social media activity in hopes of uncovering his whereabouts or potential motives. A handgun believed to have been used in the shooting is still missing.
Residents are being urged not to approach the suspect and to report any sightings immediately. Investigators are also canvassing the area and interviewing witnesses to piece together a clearer timeline of events.
Community Mourns and Mobilizes for Support
The shocking incident has sparked an outpouring of grief across Covington. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for May 18, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Covington to honor David Gay’s life and support his family. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and provide for the grieving family’s immediate needs.
Local schools, which Daniel may have attended, are offering counseling services to help students process the traumatic event. Neighbors have placed candles and flowers outside the Gay residence in a show of solidarity and remembrance.
Rising Concerns Over Youth Access to Firearms and Domestic Violence
This incident underscores broader concerns surrounding domestic violence and youth gun access. In Newton County, nearly 25% of homicides in 2024 were linked to domestic disputes. Across Georgia, 70% of homicides involve firearms, and approximately 40% of teens report easy access to guns.
Jayden Daniel’s case highlights the critical need for preventative action, including gun safety education, better domestic support systems, and school-based violence prevention programs.
Broader Implications for Juvenile Justice and Gun Reform
The tragedy also raises complex questions about juvenile justice and how to balance accountability with rehabilitation for young offenders. Nationally, lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for increased investment in youth intervention programs, improved family counseling, and tighter gun control laws to help prevent similar cases.
Covington residents, shaken by this incident, are demanding stronger measures to address the rising threat of domestic violence and youth-involved shootings. Officials have pledged to take these concerns seriously and work toward safer communities.
Conclusion: A Community United in Grief and Determined to Act
As Covington mourns the loss of David Gay, the pain is profound—but so is the resolve. His death has mobilized a community to stand together in grief, compassion, and a shared call for change.
David Gay’s memory will not be defined by the tragic way he died but by the love he gave, the peace he brought to his home, and the inspiration he leaves behind. As authorities continue the search for Jayden Daniel, the people of Covington are vowing to push for reforms that could help save lives and prevent future tragedies.
If you have information regarding the whereabouts of Jayden Daniel, please contact the Newton County Sheriff’s Office immediately. Do not attempt to approach him.
