In the quiet town of Thomson, Georgia, the evening of January 17, 2026, was shattered by an act of sudden violence that claimed the life of 17-year-old Raheem Hampton. A resident of Walnut Street, the young man was in his own neighborhood when gunfire erupted in a drive-by shooting at approximately 9:55 p.m. The attack also left another teenager, 18-year-old Daquerion Howard, with injuries.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and both Hampton and Howard were transported to a hospital in Augusta for medical attention. Tragically, Raheem Hampton succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Howard was treated for his injuries and subsequently released. Family members recall that Hampton, a student at Thomson High School, had plans to attend technical school after graduation.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken the lead in the ongoing homicide investigation, working in conjunction with the Thomson Police Department. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward to assist in their efforts. To date, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been announced in connection with the death of Raheem Hampton. The case remains an active and open investigation as authorities continue to seek answers in the violent death of the teenager.
