A military judge convicted US Army Sergeant Quornelius Radford of attempted murder on Thursday for a shooting spree at Georgia's Fort Stewart base last August that left five people wounded, according to the Associated Press.
Prosecution Case
Prosecutors alleged that Radford deliberately targeted fellow soldiers within his supply unit, opening fire with a personal handgun. Among the wounded was his then-fiancé, Raekwon Smith, who testified during the two-day trial that he had followed Radford onto the base out of concern the soldier might harm himself. Smith said he was shot in the torso before Radford moved on to fire at others inside the unit's office building.
Radford's Admission
Radford had already admitted to the shootings in March, pleading guilty to aggravated assault and domestic violence charges, but maintained he never intended to kill anyone. Army prosecutors nonetheless pursued attempted murder charges against him.
Shooting Details
According to testimony, Radford moved through two offices and a conference room while shooting four soldiers, though he told some people he came across to leave the area. He was eventually subdued by fellow soldiers, disarmed, and taken into custody by military police.
Medical Testimony
Medical testimony described the severity of the injuries: Dr. Morgan Williamson, a radiologist who reviewed the soldiers' X-rays, said one victim was shot in the face and another in the chest, with additional wounds to the back and abdomen. Williamson testified that any of these injuries could have proven fatal.
Defense Argument
Prosecutors contended that Radford's military firearms training meant he understood he should never fire at someone unless intending to kill. His defense countered that he was suicidal and had opened fire to provoke a confrontation with police in hopes they would kill him. One of his attorneys, Lt. Col. Dylan Mack, told the court, "Radford only wanted one person to die that day, himself."
Sentencing
Radford chose to have his case decided by a military judge rather than a panel of soldiers. A sentencing hearing has been set for Monday, with attempted murder carrying a potential sentence of up to life in prison under military law.
Fort Stewart Background
Fort Stewart, the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River, houses thousands of soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division and sits roughly 40 miles southwest of Savannah. Radford, who enlisted in 2018, served as a supply sergeant within the division's 2nd Armored Brigade.
