Augusta Couple Charged in Murder of Troy Allen Clay Jr.

A young couple is facing murder charges after allegedly conspiring to kill a 31-year-old Augusta man before the husband carried out the shooting, according to theaugustapress.com.

Authorities say Jalen Peck, 22, and his wife, Kaya-Rose Peck, 21, were booked over the weekend following the death of Troy Allen Clay Jr. The investigation into the fatal shooting at a mobile home community has revealed a coordinated effort between the spouses, according to newly released details from investigators.

The sequence of events began Thursday at the intersection of Phinizy Road and Old Louisville Road, near the Divine Purpose Worship Center. Investigators allege the couple discussed the planned killing while at that location before Jalen Peck separated from his wife to commit the act, theaugustapress.com reported.

Man killed in Troy shooting

Peck allegedly walked approximately one mile from the intersection to the Butler Creek Mobile Home Community. Once there, he went to Clay’s trailer located at 2821 Waterside Drive and shot him several times with a .25-caliber handgun, authorities said.

The coroner’s office pronounced Clay dead at the scene at 10:33 p.m. on Thursday. Following the shooting, Peck allegedly fled the residence and reunited with Kaya-Rose Peck, informing her that he had killed Clay.

Instagram

Investigators previously disclosed that Kaya-Rose Peck and Clay had been involved in a prior relationship. While a specific motive has not been publicly identified, the circumstances surrounding the couple’s alleged decision to kill Clay remain under investigation.

A Facebook post made by Jalen Peck roughly one week before the shooting provides context regarding personal tensions he was experiencing. In the lengthy post, Peck aired various grievances against an unnamed man, accusing him of spreading rumors and involving law enforcement to target him.

The post included several serious allegations against this individual, including claims of mistreatment of a child, financial instability, and improper conduct around underage girls. Peck also directed criticism toward the man’s family, accusing them of hypocrisy and racism while referencing disagreements involving his wife and other relatives. He challenged those responsible for the rumors to confront him directly.

It remains unclear whether the disputes detailed in that social media post were connected to Clay or played any role in the shooting, according to theaugustapress.com.

Both Jalen and Kaya-Rose Peck were held at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on Sunday night without bond. Jalen Peck faces murder charges and an additional charge for the possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Kaya-Rose Peck is also facing murder charges. Based on photos she shared on Facebook during the summer, she appears to be pregnant and is expected to give birth around Christmastime.

Investigators are still determining the motive and the full extent of the conspiracy.