Prank Call Escalates to Gunfire in Stephens County, Three Charged

STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — A series of threatening messages that authorities say began as a prank escalated into a shooting early Monday morning, leaving three individuals facing serious charges following a multi-agency investigation.

According to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 12:26 a.m. on April 27 to a residence on Tower Road in Martin in reference to threats. Authorities had received prior information from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office that 36-year-old Daniel Wilbanks of Martin was allegedly en route to the home to confront a juvenile male.

When deputies arrived, they made contact with the juvenile, who reported being part of a group text message thread in which multiple individuals made threats to come to his home and kill him. A short time later, a vehicle approached the residence, and gunfire was exchanged between the occupants of the vehicle and the juvenile.

During the investigation, deputies recovered a spent shotgun shell and multiple 9mm shell casings from the scene. Investigators said the casings were consistent with a firearm later located by Franklin County deputies at the Wilbanks residence. Authorities also reported locating digital evidence containing threatening messages.

Investigators identified Daniel Wilbanks and his 17-year-old son, Malaki Wilbanks, as suspects in the shooting.

Later Monday afternoon, investigators conducted a follow-up interview with the juvenile. Due to inconsistencies in his account, the juvenile was taken into custody and transported to a Regional Youth Detention Center. He faces a juvenile complaint for aggravated assault and criminal damage to property.

On Tuesday, April 28, deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office arrested Daniel and Malaki Wilbanks on warrants obtained by Stephens County authorities. Both were transported to the Stephens County Jail.

Daniel Wilbanks and Malaki Wilbanks have each been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Following a first appearance hearing, both were released on $25,000 bond on Wednesday, April 29.

Officials said the incident is part of a broader trend, noting multiple recent reports involving prank calls and threatening group messages. The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed as authorities identify 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.”

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office credited the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance in the case. Anyone with information related to similar threats is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division tip line at 706-886-7048 or submit a tip through the agency’s mobile app.