Newton County, GA – A tragic sequence of violence unfolded when a Walmart employee fatally shot two colleagues and critically injured another in separate incidents before taking his own life during a police standoff in South Carolina, authorities reported.
Dwayne Eduh, 24, carried out the shootings at two locations in Newton County late Friday, beginning at the Walmart where he was employed. According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Eduh left the store after retrieving a firearm, then returned and commenced shooting, striking three coworkers. The first incident at the store resulted in one fatality and a critically wounded victim.
Subsequent to the Walmart shooting, Eduh drove to a residence on Emerson Trail where he fatally shot 19-year-old Akeela Clarke, a fellow employee. Officers later found Eduh in Aiken, South Carolina, where the confrontation came to an end after he inflicted a gunshot wound on himself during an approach by law enforcement. Eduh was transported to a local hospital in critical condition; however, he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.
The victims of the shooting spree have been identified as 21-year-old Khalaf Barksdale, 29-year-old Ryan Bradley, who died at the Walmart, and Akeela Clarke. All were reported to be acquaintances and employed at the same Walmart.
Samantha Clarke, Akeela’s mother, relived the horrifying ordeal, stating her daughter ran into her bedroom seeking help moments before the gunman forced entry into their home. Despite her pleas for him to stop, Eduh fired multiple shots, resulting in Clarke’s death in what she described as an unimaginable tragedy witnessed firsthand. The family, having recently moved to Georgia from New York seeking a safer life, now grapples with immense loss.
A local law enforcement spokesperson reiterated the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for community assistance to compile a comprehensive account of the tragic events that transpired in order to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
In response to the incident, a Walmart spokesperson condemned the violence, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting their associates and collaborating with the investigation. “We are devastated by what has occurred,” expressed the spokesperson, reiterating the corporate stance against workplace violence and underscoring initiatives aimed at strengthening on-site security measures.
This tragedy has spurred responses across the community, including planned memorials and support initiatives for the victims’ families. The residents of Newton County are organizing a series of memorials, including a balloon release in memory of Akeela Clarke, representing each year of her life.
Moreover, the community has established a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses and other immediate family needs, reflecting the broader community support during this difficult time.
Law enforcement officials have not yet discerned Eduh’s motive and continue to delve into his background and recent interactions in hopes of uncovering the reasons behind his actions.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to come forward and assist in piecing together the chain of events in an effort to achieve closure for the grieving families and the shaken community.