(DailyAnswer.org) – An Army sergeant accused of shooting five people at Fort Stewart has pleaded not guilty to all charges, setting the stage for a high-stakes military trial that could result in life imprisonment.
Story Overview
- Sgt. Quornelius Radford pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault charges in the August shooting
- Five victims including four soldiers and Radford’s civilian romantic partner were wounded at Fort Stewart
- Fellow soldiers quickly disarmed Radford and provided life-saving first aid to the victims
- Trial scheduled for June 15, 2026, with potential life sentence if convicted
Sergeant Denies Attempted Murder Charges
Sgt. Quornelius Radford, 28, entered not guilty pleas to six counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and domestic violence during his December 19, 2025 arraignment. The supply sergeant appeared via teleconference from a Navy brig in Charleston, South Carolina, where he has been held in pretrial confinement since the August incident. Judge Col. Gregory Batdorff confirmed Radford understood his rights during the 15-minute hearing, with trial set for June 15, 2026.
Fort Stewart Shooting Details Emerge
The August 6, 2025 shooting occurred in a supply unit office building at Fort Stewart, Georgia’s largest Army post east of the Mississippi. Radford allegedly used a personal handgun to wound five people, four soldiers and his romantic partner, a civilian worker. Three victims suffered grievous injuries including chest and abdomen gunshot wounds. The incident filled unit hallways with gun smoke before fellow soldiers quickly subdued Radford and administered critical first aid that likely saved lives.
Military Justice System Responds Swiftly
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll visited Fort Stewart the day after the shooting, awarding Meritorious Service Medals to six soldiers who responded heroically. Brig. Gen. John Lubas, 3rd Infantry Division commander, praised the soldiers’ rapid first aid response that prevented fatalities. The case was referred to general court-martial—reserved for the military’s most serious offenses—highlighting the severity of charges that could result in life imprisonment if Radford is convicted.
Questions Remain About Motive
Army officials have not released an official motive for the shooting, maintaining operational security around the ongoing case. Local reports suggest possible retaliation for workplace bullying related to Radford’s speech impediment, though this remains unconfirmed by military authorities. Radford enlisted in 2018 and served as a supply sergeant in the 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Armored Brigade. The defense has yet to decide whether to request a jury trial or bench trial before the military judge.
The case underscores rare but serious security concerns regarding personal weapons on military installations and highlights the importance of immediate intervention by trained personnel. Jury selection is tentatively scheduled for March 2026, with the full trial beginning in June at Fort Stewart.
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