In the early morning hours of July 14, 2016, the life of 32-year-old Shaun Williams was cut short in a fatal shooting in Hinesville, Georgia. Williams, the spouse of a Fort Stewart soldier, was visiting a friend at the Harbor Rain Apartments located at 601 Saunders Ave.
An altercation broke out between Williams and another man shortly after 2 a.m. The argument escalated, leading to Williams being shot multiple times in the parking lot of the apartment complex. When Hinesville police arrived at the scene, they discovered Williams lying on the ground. He was quickly transported to Liberty Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 3:08 a.m.
The Hinesville Police Department swiftly identified a suspect, Tyler McGriff, also known by the aliases 'Goon' and 'TJ,' and issued a 'be on the lookout' alert for his arrest. McGriff, 24 years old at the time, was described as being 6 feet tall, weighing 190 pounds, and was known to operate a red-and-black moped. He was considered armed and dangerous by authorities. After a period on the run, McGriff was apprehended in Camden County by U.S. Marshals.
Further investigation into the incident suggested the shooting was the result of a drug deal that had gone awry. It was reported that Williams, who was intoxicated, had sought to purchase cocaine and was given McGriff's phone number. A brief argument over the phone concerning gang affiliations preceded the physical confrontation that ultimately led to the shooting. Another man, Herbert Roberts, was also arrested and faced charges as an accomplice in the crime.
McGriff was charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of certain felonies. Roberts was charged with being a party to the crime of murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of certain felonies. In a court hearing, McGriff was denied a bond reduction. As of September 2018, the court case against McGriff was continued in the Atlantic Judicial Circuit of Georgia.
