In the autumn of 2021, the life of a 59-year-old African American woman, Harriett Foster Patrick, was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence in Macon, Georgia. On the night of October 9, 2021, while driving down Eisenhower Parkway near the Macon State Farmer's Market after leaving a birthday party, she was struck by gunfire. Despite her critical injuries, she bravely drove herself home and called her husband and son for help before being rushed to a local hospital.
For eleven days, she fought for her life, but ultimately succumbed to her injuries on October 20, 2021. Her death marked the 46th homicide in Macon that year.
The investigation into her death led authorities to 30-year-old Quteavis Quayshon Simmons. Investigators determined that the shooting was a case of mistaken identity; Simmons had fired three shots into Patrick's vehicle, believing the driver was his former girlfriend's new partner. Simmons was apprehended by the Bibb County Sheriff's Office and charged with murder. At the time of his arrest, he also had an outstanding warrant for a previous charge of battery and family violence. He was subsequently held in custody without bond.
The case against Quteavis Simmons proceeded to trial, where the prosecution faced significant challenges. The murder weapon was never recovered, and before her death, Harriett Patrick had told first responders that she did not know the person who shot her. Despite these obstacles, a Bibb County jury convicted Simmons of malice murder in December 2025. The court sentenced him to life in prison with the possibility of parole. The district attorney described Harriett Patrick as a devoted wife, loving mother, proud veteran, and breast cancer survivor whose life was stolen from her family and community. A celebration of her life was held on October 30, 2021, where family and friends gathered to honor her memory.
