In the early evening of a Wednesday in Albany, Georgia, the life of 22-year-old Keyunte Treshawn Stephens was tragically cut short. On December 6, 2023, police responded to a call of a shooting at approximately 4:30 p.m. on the 600 block of Willard Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered a chaotic scene where Stephens had been fatally shot. Two other individuals were also found with serious injuries and were subsequently transported to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital for medical attention.
The investigation into the homicide moved swiftly. As investigators processed the scene, a description of a vehicle seen leaving the area was broadcast. Officers on patrol later that evening, around 10:30 p.m., spotted a black Honda Accord that matched the lookout bulletin. This encounter led to a significant break in the case. As police attempted to stop the vehicle, two of its occupants bailed out and fled on foot. A brief chase ensued, resulting in the apprehension of 20-year-old Tray'veon Day'Shawn Westbrook and 20-year-old Tyshaundre Jaquez Jackson.
Westbrook and Jackson were arrested and transported to the Dougherty County Jail. They both face serious charges, including one count of murder for the death of Keyunte Stephens and two counts of aggravated assault related to the other two victims who were injured in the shooting. The investigation also led to the arrest of a third individual, 35-year-old Basharia Lena Tucker. She was taken into custody and charged with tampering with evidence in connection to the homicide investigation. While police were still at the scene of the homicide, their presence led to the unrelated arrests of four other individuals on various drug and firearm charges after a separate vehicle was stopped.
Keyunte Treshawn Stephens, born on September 9, 2001, in Albany, was remembered as an outgoing individual with a love for cars and working on anything with a motor. He was a self-taught mechanic who was known for his energetic personality and sense of humor. His family and friends were left to mourn the sudden and violent loss of a young man who was described as the life of the crowd and who created many unforgettable memories in his short time. He was survived by his parents, siblings, and an unborn son. The investigation into his death remains ongoing, and authorities have encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.
