Fort Stewart Sergeant Sentenced to Six Life Terms for Shooting Attack
An Army sergeant has been handed down a severe sentence of six consecutive life sentences with the possibility of parole following a violent shooting incident at Fort Stewart, Georgia, last summer. The U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC) confirmed the sentencing of Sgt. Quornelius S. Radford, 29, who was convicted by a military judge of attempting to murder five soldiers and his male fiancé in a shooting rampage on August 6.
In addition to the life sentences, Radford will forfeit all pay and allowances, be demoted to the rank of E-1, and receive a dishonorable discharge from the Army. He is slated to serve his confinement at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Betrayal and Shattered Trust Cited in Sentencing
Maj. Matthew Fields, a prosecutor with the OSTC, emphasized the profound betrayal inherent in the case. Fields stated that soldiers are prepared to confront external threats, but Radford’s actions turned a weapon on his own unit, shooting fellow service members, including leadership. This act, Fields noted, shattered the essential trust that underpins all military organizations.
Army CID special agent in charge Ryan O’Connor commented that the conviction underscores the branch’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of its service members and military communities.
Details of the Shooting Incident Emerge
Radford, an automated logistics sergeant from Jacksonville, Florida, who enlisted in 2018, reportedly had no prior disciplinary issues within his command, according to initial reports. However, local court records did indicate a concealed DUI arrest from May 2025.
The sequence of events began after Radford departed his residence following an altercation with his fiancé. Concerned about Radford’s well-being and fearing he might be suicidal, his fiancé pursued him to the Georgia military installation. While attempting to de-escalate the situation in the parking lot of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area, Radford produced a personal firearm and shot his fiancé.
Radford then entered the unit’s offices, where he discharged his weapon, hitting four soldiers and narrowly missing a fifth. Other soldiers present intervened, tackling and subduing Radford until law enforcement arrived. Brig. Gen. John Lubas stated at the time that these intervening soldiers undoubtedly prevented further casualties. First aid was administered to the wounded by fellow soldiers until emergency medical services arrived.
Victims Testify to Trauma and Seek Maximum Sentence
All six victims survived the attack. During the trial, they shared the devastating trauma they experienced. Each victim implored the military judge to impose the maximum sentence on Radford.
