Prank threats lead to gunfire, multiple arrests

MARTIN, Ga. — A group text prank involving threats led to gunfire and several arrests in two Northeast Georgia counties, officials said.

According to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 12:26 a.m. on April 27 to a home on Tower Road in Martin after reports of threats. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office advised that 36-year-old Daniel Wilbanks was allegedly on his way to confront a juvenile at the residence.

When deputies arrived, the juvenile said he had been part of a group text thread in which multiple people threatened to come to his home and kill him. A short time later, a vehicle approached the residence, and gunshots were exchanged between the occupants of the vehicle and the juvenile.

Investigation

Investigators found one spent shotgun shell and several 9 mm casings at the scene. Investigators said the casings were consistent with a firearm later located by Franklin County deputies at Wilbanks’ home. Deputies identified Wilbanks and his 17-year-old son, Malaki Wilbanks, as suspects in the drive-by shooting. Investigators said they also found digital evidence of threatening messages at the residence.

Later that afternoon, investigators re-interviewed the juvenile. Due to inconsistencies in his statement, he was arrested and charged as a juvenile with aggravated assault and criminal damage to property. He was taken to a Regional Youth Detention Center in Gainesville.

On Tuesday, April 28, Franklin County deputies arrested Daniel and Malaki Wilbanks on Stephens County warrants. Both were transported to the Stephens County Jail.

They are charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. A magistrate judge granted each a $25,000 bond on Wednesday, April 29.

More than prank

Authorities say they have received several reports in recent days of prank calls and group messages containing threats. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed against others involved.

“We are thankful that no one was physically harmed during this incident,” said Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright. “When you make threats to do physical harm, it becomes more than a prank — it becomes illegal. We will take every step necessary to protect our community from this reckless and life-threatening behavior.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office CID Tip Line at 706-886-7048 or submit a tip through the agency’s mobile app.