In the warm evening of June 15, 2023, a young man's life was abruptly cut short in Columbus, Georgia. Deyon Cortez Wade Jr., a 22-year-old male, was fatally shot in what authorities have described as a shootout. The incident unfolded in the Oakland Park neighborhood, specifically on Wedgefield Court, where officials were called to the scene shortly after 9 P.M.
According to reports from the Columbus Police Department, the fatal encounter began after friends picked up Wade from his
residence. They were reportedly followed by another vehicle, a Dodge sedan. As both cars entered the Riverwalk Townhomes complex, an exchange of gunfire erupted between the occupants. During the gun battle, Wade exited the vehicle he was in and was struck. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Muscogee County Chief Deputy Coroner at 9:59 P.M.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Columbus Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit launched an investigation into the homicide. Despite their efforts, a motive for the shooting has not been publicly identified. The case has grown cold, and as of a police department update in August 2025, no arrests have been made, and no specific suspects have been named. The only description of the individuals responsible is that they were in a Dodge sedan.
The family of Deyon Cortez Wade Jr., who was a father, has been left waiting for justice. The investigation remains open, and authorities have encouraged anyone with information to come forward to help bring closure to his loved ones.
