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Suspect indicted for downtown Athens shooting that injured two people

Ismael Tapia-Marquez

By Joe Johnson

An Athens man who was arrested for opening fire with a gun during a fight downtown three months ago has been indicted for allegedly shooting two people during the brawl.

On Tuesday in Clarke County Superior Court, a grand jury charged 24-year-old Ismael Tapia-Marquez of Vincent Drive with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The panel also indicted Tapia-Marquez's brother Israel, 22, on charges of battery, simple battery, and making false statements.

According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the brothers were involved in a fight early the morning of Oct. 29 on West Clayton Street to where officers on patrol responded upon hearing multiple gunshots. When the officers arrived at the intersection of Hull Street they encountered a large brawl in the roadway outside of Tropical Bar where two people had been shot in their torsos.

EMS transported to the hospital the victims, who were identified by police report as a 31-year-old Athens man, and an 18-year -old resident of Elberton.

Investigators believe that the incident initially began as a fight during an argument concerning a female.

Police reportedly identified Tapia-Marquez as the alleged shooter by reviewing surveillance video footage from area businesses.

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Psychopath.

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Yet, it’s perfectly legal to have a gun anywhere in the state regardless of your mental health state.

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