Army Sergeant Sentenced to Life for Georgia Base Shootings That Wounded Five

An Army sergeant has been sentenced to life in military prison after a shooting at Fort Stewart, Georgia, last summer left five people wounded.

A military judge sentenced Sgt. Quornelius Radford on Tuesday to life with the possibility of parole. The sentence followed a court-martial in which Radford was convicted of attempted murder.

Prosecutors Said Radford Targeted Unit Leaders

Army prosecutors said Radford, 29, used a personal handgun to target leaders in his supply unit during the August shooting.

Authorities said he wounded four fellow soldiers and his then-fiancé, Raekwon Smith. Smith testified that he followed Radford onto Fort Stewart because he feared Radford might be suicidal and was later shot.

Radford Previously Pleaded Guilty to Other Charges

In March, Radford admitted to carrying out the shootings when he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and domestic violence charges.

However, he maintained that he did not intend to kill anyone. Army prosecutors still moved forward with attempted murder charges.

Witnesses Describe Fort Stewart Shooting

During the trial, witnesses said Radford, a supply sergeant in the 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Armored Brigade, moved through two offices and a conference room while firing at four soldiers.

He was later restrained and disarmed by fellow soldiers before military police took him into custody.

Sentence Includes Dishonorable Discharge

In addition to life with possible parole, Radford’s sentence includes a dishonorable discharge and a reduction in rank to private.

Army prosecutors had asked the judge to impose life without parole. Defense attorneys argued for a lighter sentence, saying Radford was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the shootings and had accepted responsibility.

Radford Apologizes to Victims

One of Radford’s defense attorneys read a statement from him in court.

In the statement, Radford apologized to each victim, said he was thankful they survived, and asked for forgiveness.

Victims Still Recovering

A doctor from the Army hospital at Fort Stewart testified that one wounded soldier was shot in the face and another in the chest. Other victims were struck in the back and abdomen.

During the sentencing hearing, victims said they continue to recover physically and emotionally. Two of them have since left the Army.

Radford chose to have his case decided by a military judge rather than a jury of soldiers.

Sgt. Quornelius Radford was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole after being convicted in the Fort Stewart shooting that wounded five people. While prosecutors pushed for life without parole, the judge also ordered a dishonorable discharge and demotion to private. The case highlighted the lasting physical and emotional impact on the victims, several of whom remain in recovery.