Fort Stewart Soldier Seeks Guilty Plea in Shooting That Wounded 5 Coworkers

A 28-year-old Army sergeant who wounded five colleagues in a shooting at Fort Stewart, Georgia last August now wants to plead guilty to reduced charges. Sgt. Quornelius Radford initially faced 13 criminal counts but is seeking to plead guilty to six charges including attempted murder and domestic violence.

SAVANNAH, Ga. — A military court will consider whether to accept a guilty plea from an Army sergeant who wounded five colleagues during a shooting incident at Fort Stewart last August.

Sgt. Quornelius Radford, 28, now wishes to enter guilty pleas to six criminal charges, including two counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated assault, and one domestic violence charge, according to military prosecutors who announced the development Thursday.

The shooting incident occurred when Radford discharged his personal firearm at members of his supply unit, striking four soldiers and one civilian employee who had been romantically involved with Radford. Fellow soldiers subdued and disarmed Radford after the attack, military officials reported.

Initially, Radford entered not guilty pleas last fall to 13 separate criminal charges: six attempted murder counts, six aggravated assault counts, and one domestic violence count. Military prosecutors noted the charges covered six total victims, including one person Radford targeted but failed to hit.

The Army’s Office of Special Trial Counsel, handling Radford’s prosecution, stated that his defense team informed a military judge of his intention to change his plea during a recent court appearance.

Defense attorney Lt. Col. Dylan Mack has not responded to requests for comment regarding the plea change.

Military court records indicate Radford’s plea status shifted from “not guilty” to “guilty plea” in advance of his March 31 court hearing, when the judge will review his request to alter his plea.

Military prosecutors emphasized they have not entered into any plea agreement with Radford, meaning he could still receive a life sentence if the judge accepts his guilty plea.

Officials have not disclosed any suspected motive behind the shooting. Radford remains in military custody awaiting trial.

Fort Stewart, the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River, houses thousands of personnel from the 3rd Infantry Division and sits approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah.

Radford worked as a supply sergeant within the division’s 2nd Armored Brigade and joined the Army in 2018, according to military records.

During the August 6 incident, soldiers responded to gunfire sounds and discovered smoke-filled hallways in an office building, with wounded victims scattered across floors and offices.

Brig. Gen. John Lubas, who commands the 3rd Infantry, praised soldiers for their immediate response in providing medical assistance, including using their hands to stop bleeding from gunshot injuries.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll traveled to Fort Stewart the following day to present Meritorious Service Medals to six soldiers who helped subdue the gunman and assist the wounded.