In the early hours of a Monday morning in Macon, Georgia, the life of 16-year-old Derrick Putmon was tragically cut short. On May 22, 2023, just after 2:00 a.m., a ShotSpotter alert drew Bibb County sheriff's deputies to the 600 block of Williams Street. There, on the sidewalk, they found the young male unresponsive. Emergency responders were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene before 4 a.m.
Initially, law enforcement faced the challenge of identifying the victim, as he had no identification on him. A photograph on a necklace he was wearing became a key piece of evidence that ultimately helped authorities determine he was Derrick Putmon. The Bibb County Sheriff's Office launched a homicide investigation into the shooting, seeking to understand the events that led to the teenager's death.
Derrick, who was born on January 23, 2007, was remembered as a former scholar at Ingram Pye Elementary School and a past member of the Boys Scouts of America. He had also attended Soar Academy. His family and friends recall him as a beloved son, brother, and friend.
As of the immediate aftermath of the incident, investigators had not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the shooting. The Bibb County Sheriff's Office has appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information to come forward and contact them or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers. The investigation into the death of Derrick Putmon is ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
