Quornelius Radford sentenced to 6 consecutive life sentences for Fort Stewart shooting
By Emma Hamilton, Pedro Lopez
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FORT STEWART, Georgia (WJCL) — On Tuesday, Former Sgt. Quornelius Radford was sentenced in connection with the 2025 shooting on Fort Stewart, receiving six consecutive life sentences with the possibility of parole. This comes after a verdict was reached last Thursday.
The military judge ordered Radford to be dishonorably discharged, reduced in rank to E-1, forfeit his pay, and receive 321 days of confinement credit.
Prosecutors had asked for life without parole. Defense attorneys argued for a lengthy sentence short of life, saying Radford was in a mental health crisis and should still have a chance at rehabilitation.
In handing down the sentence, the judge cited several factors, including the shooting’s location on Fort Stewart, Radford’s status as a soldier and noncommissioned officer, the impact on the unit’s mission, the physical and emotional harm to the victims, his use of a personal weapon, and his abuse of rank and trust within the unit.
The judge also pointed to the shooting of Radford’s then-fiancé, Mr. Smith, who was trying to help him before being shot in the chest.
During arguments, prosecutors described the case as a mass shooting and said the punishment needed to match the seriousness of the crime, deter others, and protect the public. They also highlighted the lasting trauma within the unit, with some soldiers testifying they plan to leave the Army or are uncertain about continuing to lead after the shooting.
Defense attorneys said no sentence could undo the harm caused, but argued Radford had reached a breaking point, accepted responsibility, and should not spend the rest of his life in prison with no chance of rehabilitation.
Radford’s attorney read a written statement on his behalf. In it, Radford apologized to each victim by name and said he is not the person portrayed in media coverage.
Earlier discussion in the case included two prior alleged incidents prosecutors sought to raise, but those details remain unclear. Until there is official clarification on whether they were admitted, excluded, or considered by the judge, they are not being included in this report.
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