In the fading light of a Sunday evening in Macon, Georgia, the life of 27-year-old Debarius Devonte Sanford was tragically cut short. On February 13, 2022, Sanford, a male, found himself at the Quick Serve convenience store on Emery Highway, a place that would become the final scene of his life's story. It was there that the sound of gunfire shattered the evening's calm, leaving two men fatally wounded.
Sanford, along with 32-year-old Trey Smith, was struck by bullets in the violent
encounter. The two men were rushed to a nearby hospital, but their injuries proved too severe. Both were pronounced dead shortly after their arrival, leaving a community to grapple with the sudden and senseless loss of two of its own. In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement authorities confirmed that they were searching for a suspect, though details about the individual or the motive behind the shooting were not immediately available.
The investigation into the double homicide was launched, but information regarding any significant breakthroughs has been scarce. In the years that have passed since that fatal evening, there have been no public announcements of any arrests made or suspects identified in connection with the deaths of Debarius Sanford and Trey Smith. The case remains a painful and unresolved chapter for their families and the Macon community.
Debarius, known to his loved ones as 'DJ,' was a father of seven and a brother to many. His death left a void in the lives of his parents, Willie B. Sanford and Debra Cooper Sanford, and his numerous siblings. A graveside service was held for him on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Chance Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Twiggs County, where family and friends gathered to lay him to rest. The search for justice for Debarius Devonte Sanford continues.
