In the late afternoon of July 20, 2022, the life of 22-year-old Brad Antonio Collins, an African American male from Homerville, Georgia, was tragically cut short. An argument at Poppell Square escalated into a violent shootout, resulting in Collins suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Bystanders at the scene quickly transported him to Clinch Memorial Hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries, with two bullet wounds to his chest proving to be fatal.
The investigation into the shooting, led by the Homerville Police Department, swiftly identified 22-year-old Marthony Zamark Hood as the primary suspect. According to witness reports, what began as a verbal dispute between Collins and Hood quickly spiraled into a deadly exchange of gunfire. Hood allegedly fired numerous shots at Collins's red BMW, which was later found at the scene riddled with bullet holes. Investigators recovered a significant amount of evidence from the area, including multiple shell casings and bullet fragments.
Immediately following the shooting, Hood fled the scene, sparking a manhunt by local law enforcement. A BOLO was issued as authorities searched for him in various locations, including Douglas and Valdosta. After several days on the run, Marthony Zamark Hood surrendered to authorities at the Coffee County Jail in Douglas, Georgia, on July 24, 2022. He was subsequently charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The case against him is currently moving through the legal system. Brad Antonio Collins was a father to five young children and his death has left a profound impact on the Homerville community.
