In the summer of 2025, a senseless act of gun violence shattered the bright future of 17-year-old Keiauna McFadden, a female from Columbus, Georgia, who was eagerly awaiting the birth of her son. The tragic events unfolded in the early morning hours of July 27th, at approximately 1:10 a.m., during a gathering at a residence on Juniper Avenue. Gunfire erupted, leaving Keiauna and an 18-year-old female wounded.
Emergency services found one victim at the scene and the other inside a nearby vehicle on Japonica Avenue.
Keiauna, who was five months pregnant, was critically injured in the shooting. She was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for urgent medical care. Despite the efforts of the medical team, she succumbed to her injuries on August 1, 2025. Her unborn son, who she had named Za'Mauri, was stillborn as a result of the violent attack. The second victim was treated for her injuries and was eventually released from the hospital. The case was immediately investigated by the Columbus Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit as a murder and feticide.
Following a thorough investigation, on October 2, 2025, authorities issued warrants for the arrest of three individuals in connection with the fatal shooting. The suspects were identified as 21-year-old Javon Seals, 18-year-old Deandre Scranton, and 21-year-old Landon Owens. Seals and Scranton were apprehended in Columbus, while Owens was taken into custody in Troup County. The three men faced a series of grave charges, including murder, four counts of aggravated assault, feticide, and drive-by shooting. Additionally, they were charged with the possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Deandre Scranton also faced a charge of theft by taking a motor vehicle.
