Weaverville Man Pleads Guilty to Carjacking, Shooting Mail Carrier in 2023
A Weaverville man has pleaded guilty to federal charges for the shooting and carjacking of a mail carrier in Madison County in 2023. An Asheville federal judge accepted Jaden Garay’s guilty plea this week.
Background of the Incident
According to government records, on Sept. 5, 2023, Garay argued with his mother and step-father before stealing their loaded Glock 48 9 mm semiautomatic handgun and several additional loaded ammunition magazines.
At approximately 11:50 a.m., Garay drove his Mitsubishi Endeavor eastbound on Interstate 26 near the exit for Mars Hill, around mile marker 11. He fired the Glock 48 pistol into another vehicle, shattering the front passenger window. Thankfully, the occupants of the vehicle were not hurt.
Carjacking and Shooting
Garay then drove into Mars Hill and abandoned his vehicle in a dental office parking lot. He proceeded to break into a home on Spring Drive, threatening the homeowner and attempting to steal a car. He encountered mail carrier Teresa Ramsay and shot her in the face before stealing her vehicle.
Ramsay’s vehicle was spotted by police on Interstate 40 heading toward Marion, leading to a pursuit. Garay fled but was eventually arrested after a confrontation with law enforcement.
Sentencing
A sentencing date for Garay has yet to be scheduled. The guilty plea marks a significant step in the legal process following the disturbing incident that occurred in 2023.
Conclusion
The community is relieved that justice is being served in this case. The authorities have worked diligently to bring accountability for the violent actions of the perpetrator.
