Khalaf Barksdale, Akeela Clarke Obituary, Death News – Authorities in Georgia are investigating a tragic and violent shooting spree that began at a Walmart store and ended across state lines in South Carolina, leaving two people dead and another critically injured. The suspect, who police say is also in critical condition, was identified as 24-year-old Dwayne Eduh, an employee at the Newton County Walmart where the incident began.
According to law enforcement officials, the rampage started Friday morning at the Walmart located on Salem Road. Authorities reported that Eduh got into a heated argument with two coworkers while inside the store. After the dispute, he allegedly walked out to his car, retrieved a firearm, and then returned inside to carry out the attack.
Sgt. Jack Redlinger of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office explained that Eduh found his coworkers Khalaf Barksdale and Ryan Bradley and opened fire. Barksdale was fatally shot, while Bradley sustained critical injuries. No customers were in the store at the time—only employees.
The violence didn’t end there. Eduh then reportedly traveled to a nearby residence on Emerson Trail, where he continued his deadly spree. In chilling home surveillance footage later shared with investigators, Eduh is seen running up the stairs of the residence. He first fires through the front door before kicking it in. Once inside, he unleashed more gunfire before fleeing the scene.
Inside the home was 19-year-old Akeela Clarke, who was hit by the gunfire and died almost immediately. Her mother, Samantha Clarke, recounted the horror and the heart-wrenching moment she realized her daughter was gone. “She fell on impact, and at that very end, I knew that my daughter was gone,” she said through tears.
Samantha also shared that her daughter had expressed concerns about Eduh in the past. Though Akeela wasn’t in a romantic relationship with Eduh, she had previously mentioned experiencing issues related to him during her time working at Walmart. The nature of those concerns or the possible connection to the violence remains unclear, as authorities have not yet confirmed a motive behind the attacks.
After committing the shootings in Georgia, Eduh fled across state lines into South Carolina. Law enforcement eventually located him in the neighboring state. Surrounded by officers, Eduh reportedly turned the weapon on himself and attempted to take his own life. He was rushed to a hospital in Augusta, where he remains in critical condition.
The community is reeling from the shock and grief of the events. Clarke, devastated by her daughter’s death, expressed that she had no words for Eduh if he were to survive his self-inflicted gunshot wound. “I don’t have anything to say to him,” she stated firmly.
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the case, but a clear motive has yet to be established. They are examining all potential connections between Eduh and his victims and are working to piece together the timeline and reasoning behind the spree.
Walmart has issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy, emphasizing that there is no tolerance for violence in their stores. The retail giant also stated their focus is now on supporting the affected employees and their families during this incredibly difficult time.
The case has drawn significant public attention not just due to the shocking nature of the violence but also because of the apparent randomness and sudden escalation. What began as a workplace argument spiraled into a multi-location shooting that spanned state lines and devastated multiple families.
As investigations continue, authorities are asking anyone with additional information to come forward. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to uncovering the full circumstances behind the tragic events.
In the meantime, the community mourns the lives lost. Khalaf Barksdale, remembered as a dedicated worker; Akeela Clarke, a young woman with her life ahead of her; and Ryan Bradley, still fighting for his life in a hospital, represent the human cost of an act of violence that has left emotional scars well beyond those directly involved. The tragedy underscores the lasting impact of workplace disputes left unaddressed and the far-reaching consequences of gun violence.
As Eduh remains hospitalized, legal action may follow if he survives. Prosecutors will likely move forward with multiple charges including murder, attempted murder, and aggravated assault, depending on his condition and the findings of the ongoing investigation.
For now, the Newton County community and the families of the victims are left grappling with pain, unanswered questions, and a collective sense of sorrow.