Fort Stewart Shooting Sentence
The U.S. Army Office of Special Counsel (OSTC) revealed that an Army sergeant who shot at his unit and his fiancé at Fort Stewart, Georgia, last summer has been sentenced to six consecutive life sentences with the possibility of parole.
Sergeant Quonelius S. Radford, 29, was convicted by a military judge of attempting to kill five soldiers and their partners during the shooting on August 6.
Besides the life sentences, Radford is to lose all pay and benefits, have his rank reduced to E-1, and face a dishonorable discharge from the Army. He will serve his time at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
OSTC prosecutor Maj. Matthew Fields stated that the life sentence “reflects the profound betrayal at the heart of this case,” emphasizing that soldiers are prepared to confront threats from enemies, not from their own comrades.
“Sergeant Radford turned his weapon on his own unit, shot fellow soldiers, including members of his leadership, and shattered the trust that is critical in any military organization,” Fields remarked.
Army CID Special Agent in Charge Ryan O’Connor mentioned that the guilty verdict underscores the military’s dedication to the safety and security of its members.
Radford, who hailed from Jacksonville, Florida, was an auto logistics sergeant and had no significant disciplinary history within his command. However, he did face a concealed DUI arrest in May 2025.
The shooting episode unfolded after Radford, following an argument with his fiancée, left home. Concerned that he might harm himself, she pursued him to a military facility. While trying to calm him in the parking lot of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area, Radford drew a loaded gun and shot her.
He then proceeded into the unit’s office, where he shot four soldiers and attempted to shoot a fifth.
Other soldiers quickly restrained Radford until law enforcement arrived.
During the incident, Brig. Gen. John Lubas remarked that the soldiers’ swift actions “undoubtedly prevented further casualties.”
Immediate first aid was provided to the injured until an ambulance arrived. All six victims survived, but they testified that they endured severe injuries. Each victim expressed during the trial that they believed Radford deserved capital punishment.
