In the early morning hours of Sunday, February 11, 2024, a burst of gunfire on McCommons Street in Thomson, Georgia, tragically cut short the life of 21-year-old Otekqueonna Williams, a Black female. Williams was caught in the crossfire of an argument between two groups of people. She was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at 3:33 a.m. Another woman who was also an unintended victim was transported to a hospital in Augusta for treatment of her injuries. The investigation revealed that neither Williams nor the other woman was involved in the altercation.
The Thomson Police Department, McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation launched a joint investigation into the homicide. Their efforts quickly led to the identification of two suspects. On February 14, 2024, the GBI announced the arrests of 23-year-old Ra'Quan Reese of Warrenton and 22-year-old Sherkendria Duggans of Thomson. Both were taken into custody and booked at the McDuffie County Jail.
Reese and Duggans are facing serious charges, including felony murder and aggravated assault, in connection with the shooting death of Otekqueonna Williams. As the legal process moves forward, the case will be handled by the Toombs Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office. The investigation remains active and ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the events of that fatal morning.
