On the evening of Saturday, January 17, 2026, a violent incident on a residential street in Thomson, Georgia, claimed the life of a 17-year-old. The McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in the 300 block of Walnut Street at approximately 9:45 p.m. following reports of a disturbance and gunfire.
Upon arrival, deputies and emergency medical personnel discovered Raheem Hampton critically wounded. A preliminary investigation indicates Hampton was an innocent bystander who was struck by gunfire after walking outside to observe a fight that had erupted in the street. He was not a participant in the altercation. He was immediately transported by ambulance to Doctors Hospital in Augusta for emergency treatment.
Despite the rapid response and lifesaving efforts of medical staff, Raheem Hampton succumbed to his injuries. The McDuffie County Coroner, Michael Alfano, confirmed his death was the result of a gunshot wound. Another individual, who was directly involved in the initial fight, was also injured by gunfire during the same incident. That individual’s injuries are considered non-life-threatening, and they are expected to recover.
The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a physical altercation between multiple individuals on Walnut Street. Witnesses reported that an argument escalated into a fight, which then led to gunfire. Raheem Hampton, who had come outside to see what was happening, was tragically caught in the crossfire. The McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the shooting and is working to identify the shooter or shooters.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not made any arrests or released the names of any suspects. The uncertainty surrounding the specific circumstances and the search for the person responsible has intensified the community’s grief. The Thomson community, including classmates and faculty at Thomson High School where Hampton was a student, is united in mourning his senseless death and offering support to his grieving family.
This tragic event has highlighted ongoing concerns about youth violence in the community. Raheem Hampton is remembered by friends and family as a kind young man with a bright future, whose life was cut short by an act of violence he had no part in starting. The McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward to help bring justice for Raheem and his family.