In a significant legal decision at Fort Stewart, Georgia, an Army sergeant has been handed a life sentence in a military prison following a shooting incident that left five people injured last summer. The sentence, delivered by a military judge, includes the possibility of parole and marks the culmination of a court-martial that found Sgt. Quornelius Radford guilty of attempted murder.
Radford, 29, was accused by Army prosecutors of opening fire with a personal handgun last August, aiming at leaders of his supply unit. The incident resulted in injuries to four fellow soldiers and his then-fiance, Raekwon Smith. Smith testified during the trial, stating he was shot after following Radford to Fort Stewart due to concerns about Radford’s mental health.
Earlier this year, Radford admitted to the shootings by pleading guilty to aggravated assault and domestic violence. Despite this admission, he maintained that he did not have any intent to kill, while prosecutors pursued charges of attempted murder. More details on Radford’s admission can be found here.
During the trial, witnesses recounted how Radford, serving as a supply sergeant in the 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Armored Brigade, moved through two offices and a conference room, shooting four soldiers. His actions were halted when fellow soldiers restrained and disarmed him before military police took him into custody. More information on the restraint is available here.
In addition to the life sentence, Radford faces a dishonorable discharge and a rank reduction to private. Army prosecutors pushed for a life sentence without parole, while the defense argued for leniency, citing Radford’s mental health crisis at the time and his acceptance of responsibility. Radford expressed remorse for his actions through a statement read by his defense lawyer, offering apologies to the victims and expressing gratitude for their survival.
A doctor from the Army hospital at Fort Stewart testified about the severity of the injuries, noting that one soldier was shot in the face and another in the chest, while others suffered wounds to the back and abdomen. The victims, who testified during the sentencing, shared their ongoing physical and emotional recovery, with two having since left the Army.
Radford’s decision to have his trial determined by a military judge, rather than a jury of soldiers, was a notable aspect of the proceedings. The full story of the court-martial and sentencing can be explored here.
