LAGRANGE, GA – The community of LaGrange is grieving the tragic loss of two beloved individuals following a fatal shooting that has left their families heartbroken. Authorities have apprehended the suspect believed to be responsible for the murders, and the investigation has taken a grim turn.
On Saturday evening, friends and family gathered outside Joy Williams’ home on Fendig Street for a candlelight vigil, honoring her memory. Williams, 38, and her boyfriend, Roderick Kennedy, 40, were found dead inside her burning home. Initially thought to be a fatal house fire, the incident is now being treated as a murder investigation.
Law enforcement officials responded to a call about a structure fire just before midnight on February 8. Inside the home, they discovered Williams and Kennedy with gunshot wounds. Kennedy’s mother, Sarah, shared her anguish, recounting the moment she heard the sirens, unaware that her son’s life was in jeopardy. “He was at the wrong place at the wrong time,” she lamented.
Within a day of the fire, police arrested 35-year-old Travis Rivers on charges of felony probation violation and aggravated stalking related to the case. On Friday, authorities added felony murder to the list of charges Rivers faces. According to Williams’ family, she had recently ended an abusive relationship with Rivers, who had been released from jail shortly before the incident.
Although the arrest has provided some relief to the families, they continue to grapple with the sudden and violent loss of Williams and Kennedy. Both individuals were known for their vibrant personalities and were cherished by their loved ones.
Funeral services for Kennedy and Williams are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. As the community mourns, Rivers remains in custody, facing multiple charges, including felony murder and aggravated assault.
The tragic events have left the families and the community devastated, and they are seeking justice for their loved ones.