Full Breakdown
Atlanta Rapper Jayy Wick Charged with Attempted Murder After Panama City Beach Shooting
5/7/2026, 9:37:39 PM
Incident Overview
On April 25, 2024, at about 11 p.m., rapper Jayy Wick (Donald Anderson, 26) fired multiple shots at an 18-year-old male on Beach Access 83 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The teen survived. Anderson left the scene and performed later that night at the Vibez Night Club. He was arrested in Atlanta on May 5, 2024, and a firearm was seized. He now faces a first-degree attempted murder charge.
Artist Profile and Metrics
Anderson, born in Port St. Lucie, Florida, rose to prominence with “Pork Chop Sammich,” which logged over 7.8 million YouTube Music plays and more than five million Spotify streams. By early 2024 his Instagram following topped 512 000. The charge carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years, up to life imprisonment. Law-enforcement agencies involved include the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Atlanta Police, Clayton County Police, and Panama City Beach Police.
Timeline of Key Events
- Apr 25 2024 ? 11 p.m.: Shooting at Beach Access 83.
- Apr 25 2024 late night: Performance at Vibez Night Club.
- May 4 2024: Atlanta surveillance by detectives.
- May 5 2024: Arrest in Atlanta; firearm recovered.
- May 6 2024: Custody taken; extradition to Florida pending.
Official Statements & Responses
Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said the department will not tolerate violent behavior and will hold perpetrators accountable regardless of status. Investigators said Anderson appeared to resume his activities after the shooting, describing his conduct as continuing the night as if the incident had not occurred. Both remarks stress a firm law-enforcement stance without revealing a motive.
Criticism and Industry Reaction
The case has reignited debate over gun violence linked to nightlife performances and the broader responsibility of rap artists for public safety.
On-the-Ground Reports
Eyewitnesses identified Anderson as the shooter; a security guard on his team moved the wounded teen from the sand to a safer spot until emergency crews arrived.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Authorities have not disclosed the victim’s medical condition, any prior relationship between the parties, nor the shooting’s motive; no attorney for Anderson has been publicly named and no plea has been recorded.
Verbatim Quotes
- “continued his night as if nothing happened” — Investigator
- “Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford issued a statement emphasizing the department’s commitment to accountability: “We will not tolerate this kind of violent behavior in Bay County.” — Sheriff Tommy Ford
- “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are. If you come to Bay County to commit these crimes, we will find you and hold you accountable.” — Sheriff Tommy Ford
- “The guard allegedly moved the victim from the sand to a safer area until emergency crews arrived.” — Local report
What’s Next
Anderson is slated for extradition to Florida, where he will face the attempted murder charge and a potential sentence ranging from 25 years to life imprisonment.