An Army sergeant was sentenced to life in military prison Tuesday for shootings that wounded five people at Fort Stewart, Georgia, last summer, concluding a court-martial case that centered on a supply unit leader targeted by his own colleague.
Background
Sgt. Quornelius Radford, 29, served as a supply sergeant in the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Armored Brigade at Fort Stewart. The shootings occurred last August when prosecutors allege Radford used a personal handgun to target leaders within his unit. He wounded four fellow soldiers and his then-fiancée, Raekwon Smith, who testified he was shot after following Radford onto the base fearing the soldier was suicidal.
In March, Radford pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated assault and domestic violence. However, Army prosecutors moved forward with attempted murder charges, maintaining that Radford's actions showed intent to kill. During the court-martial proceedings last week, witnesses described how Radford walked to two offices and a conference room as he shot victims.
The Sentencing
A military judge at Fort Stewart sentenced Radford to life in prison with the possibility of parole after convicting him of attempted murder. Army prosecutors had sought life without parole, while defense attorneys argued for leniency, presenting evidence that the shootings occurred during a mental health crisis and that Radford had accepted responsibility.
"I am grateful they survived," Radford said in a statement read by one of his defense lawyers, who described his client's apologies to each victim. "I ask forgiveness."
The sentence also includes a dishonorable discharge and reduction in rank to private. Trial testimony revealed the severity of injuries: one soldier was shot in the face, another in the chest, and bullets struck other victims in the back and abdomen.
Radford was apprehended by military police after being restrained and disarmed by fellow soldiers. He opted for his case to be heard by a military judge rather than a jury of soldiers.
Key Takeaways
- Sgt. Quornelius Radford sentenced to life with parole for attempted murder at Fort Stewart, Georgia
- Five people wounded in the August shootings: four soldiers and his then-fiancée Raekwon Smith
- Radford previously pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and domestic violence charges in March
- Prosecutors sought life without parole; defense argued mental health crisis mitigation
- Additional penalties include dishonorable discharge and reduction to private rank
What's Next
Victims testified during sentencing that they continue to recover physically and emotionally from the attacks. Two of the wounded soldiers have left military service. Radford will serve his sentence in a military prison, where he could become eligible for parole consideration under military justice guidelines.
The case remains part of ongoing efforts by military leadership to address workplace violence and mental health resources within the armed forces.