Summary (tl;dr)

Atlanta rapper Jayy Wick, whose legal name is Donald Anderson, has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with a shooting that critically injured an 18-year-old man at Panama City Beach, Florida, on April 25, 2026.

Essential Background

Jayy Wick, a 26-year-old artist, had recently gained internet notoriety for his music, including the viral track "Pork Chop Sammich." He was in Panama City, Florida, for an event called "229 Takeover Weekend" when the alleged shooting occurred.

The Full Story

On April 25, 2026, at approximately 11 p.m., deputies from the Bay County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of gunfire at Beach Access 83 in Panama City Beach, where they found an 18-year-old male with multiple gunshot wounds. Eyewitnesses reportedly identified Donald Anderson, known as Jayy Wick, as the shooter. Following the incident, Wick allegedly fled the scene and later performed at Vibez Night Club in Panama City. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued. On May 5, 2026, Anderson was apprehended in metro Atlanta, Georgia, without incident, through a collaborative effort involving the United States Marshals Service, Atlanta Police Department, Clayton County police, and Panama City Beach police. A firearm was recovered during his arrest.

Why It Matters

The arrest of a rising public figure on serious charges highlights the legal consequences of violent crime and the dedication of law enforcement agencies to pursue suspects across state lines. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford emphasized that such violent behavior will not be tolerated, and those who commit crimes in the area will be held accountable. If convicted of attempted first-degree murder, Anderson faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years in prison, with a potential for life imprisonment. The ongoing investigation continues with detectives interviewing witnesses, and Anderson is expected to be extradited to Florida.

Geographic Location

• Beach Access 83, Panama City Beach, Bay County, Florida, United States (shooting incident)
• Vibez Night Club, Panama City, Bay County, Florida, United States (performance after shooting)
• Metro Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, United States (arrest of Jayy Wick/Donald Anderson)