Crime
44-year-old Quaynell King killed after shooting on Versailles Road in Lexington
The Fayette County Coroner has identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred Sunday night in the 1800 block of Versailles Road as 44-year-old Quaynell King.
According to the coroner’s report, King’s death has been ruled a homicide. The Lexington Police Department is actively investigating the incident.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the area at approximately 8:43 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered evidence of shots fired.
Shortly thereafter, authorities were informed that a gunshot victim had arrived at a local hospital with severe injuries. The victim was later identified as Quaynell King, who succumbed to his injuries.
Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as a homicide. However, there are no suspects identified or in custody at this time.
Residents in the area may notice a continued police presence as detectives gather evidence and canvass for witnesses.
The Lexington Police Department encourages anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Tips can be provided by contacting the department directly or through their anonymous tip line.
Further updates, including additional details from the coroner, are expected as the investigation progresses.
Crime
34-year-old Augusta Fireman Spencer Johnson charged in accidental shooting of his 3-year-old son in Harlem
Johnson, a decorated firefighter from Augusta, was arrested on Friday.
A Columbia County father, Spencer Allen Johnson, 34, of Harlem, Georgia, has been charged with child cruelty after his 3-year-old son, Evan Johnson, accidentally shot himself in the shoulder with an unsecured firearm.
According to authorities, the incident occurred Thursday night when the child accessed an unsecured firearm in his father’s bedroom.
The young boy, left unsupervised, discharged the weapon, resulting in a gunshot wound to his shoulder. Fortunately, the child is expected to make a full recovery.
Johnson, a decorated firefighter from Augusta, was arrested on Friday.
He faces charges of child cruelty stemming from criminal negligence, which authorities allege caused “excessive physical pain” to his son through neglectful supervision. He is currently being held at the Columbia County Detention Center with bond set at $10,100.
The Harlem Police Department did not initially release information about the shooting. However, as rumors of the incident spread on social media, the situation was later confirmed by both WGAC’s Austin Rhodes and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office late Friday evening.
Early Saturday morning, Harlem Police Chief issued a statement on the department’s Facebook page, stating that the case remains under investigation as new details emerge.
The Chief’s statement suggests that the full circumstances surrounding the shooting are still being determined.
In his booking photo, Johnson is seen wearing an anti-suicide smock, a standard precautionary measure taken in some detention facilities.
The incident has sparked discussions about gun safety and parental responsibility. Authorities are expected to release further information as the investigation unfolds.
Meanwhile, the Columbia County community remains concerned about ensuring proper firearm storage to prevent similar tragedies.