In the early morning hours of August 20, 2022, the life of 16-year-old Justin Woodford was tragically cut short in Fort Valley, Georgia. An African American male from the nearby city of Perry, Woodford was in the vicinity of 1207 Edward Street when the fatal events unfolded. Around 5:45 AM, he was pronounced dead at the scene, the victim of a gunshot wound.
Before the shooting, eyewitnesses reported that Woodford and a relative were assaulted by three males at an apartment complex on Edward Street. This initial confrontation appears to have escalated, leading to the gunfire that claimed the teenager's life. The Fort Valley Police Department responded to a call of a person shot in the 400 block of St. Luke's Lane, where they found Woodford unresponsive. Emergency medical services were called to the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but his injuries proved to be fatal.
The investigation into Justin Woodford's death led to the identification and subsequent arrest of three suspects. The first to be taken into custody was Keyshon Williams, who was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Shortly after, a second suspect, Daquan Williams, was also arrested and faced the same charge. The third and final suspect, Daquavious Oliver, was apprehended about a week later. All three men were charged with aggravated assault in connection with the altercation that preceded the fatal shooting.
