A deadly workplace shooting in Covington, Georgia, has left two Walmart employees dead, one seriously injured, and a community devastated. On April 11, 2025, around 1:30 a.m., a 24-year-old Walmart associate, Dwayne Eduh, fatally shot two co-workers and wounded a third before fleeing the scene.
His escape triggered a multi-state manhunt that ended with Eduh’s suicide in South Carolina.
Authorities believe the attack was targeted, not random, based on the suspect’s direct knowledge of the victims. The incident has reignited national conversations around workplace safety, mental health, and gun violence.
A Timeline of the Events: How the Attack Unfolded
According to Covington Police, Eduh left the Walmart Supercenter shortly after 1:00 a.m. to retrieve a firearm from his vehicle. He then returned to the store, where he fatally shot 21-year-old Khalaf Barksdale inside the building. Surveillance video reportedly shows Eduh calmly walking through the store before confronting Barksdale.
Eduh then exited the building and shot a second co-worker, 27-year-old Ryan Bradley, in the parking lot. Bradley was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but has since stabilized and remains under medical supervision.
Police responded quickly to the scene, but Eduh had already fled by vehicle. Investigators used license plate reader data to track his route, confirming that he was headed east toward South Carolina.
Third Victim Found at Home: Another Coworker Targeted
The violence didn’t end at the Walmart location. Just hours later, Eduh allegedly forced his way into the Covington home of another Walmart co-worker, 19-year-old Akeela Clarke. According to Clarke’s mother, Eduh kicked in the front door and chased Clarke upstairs before fatally shooting her in her bedroom.
Her mother described a terrifying ordeal as Eduh fired multiple times through the locked door before breaking it down.
Clarke, also a Walmart employee, reportedly knew Eduh, though authorities are still investigating the nature of their relationship. Law enforcement officials believe this was a targeted attack stemming from a personal conflict, not a random act of violence.
Manhunt Ends with Suspect’s Death in South Carolina
Following the brutal attacks, law enforcement agencies across state lines worked to apprehend the suspect. Using technology like Flock Safety’s license plate tracking system, authorities located Eduh in Aiken County, South Carolina.
When approached by officers, Eduh reportedly shot himself in the head. He was transported to a hospital in Augusta, Georgia, but later died from his injuries.
On Sunday, April 13, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Eduh’s death. While this ended the immediate threat, it left behind grieving families, traumatized co-workers, and unanswered questions.
“We believe the suspect knew each of his victims and deliberately sought them out,” said Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown. “This was a tragedy that unfolded in multiple stages, and our investigation is far from over.”
Walmart and Community Response
In the wake of the attack, Walmart released a statement offering condolences and support to the victims’ families and affected employees. “We’re deeply saddened by this tragedy and are focused on supporting our associates and law enforcement during this difficult time,” the company said.
The Covington store remained closed in the days following the incident, giving employees time to process the trauma and access counseling services. Vigils and community memorials were organized to honor the lives of the victims.
Local leaders and advocates emphasized the need for improved employee safety measures, mental health resources, and conflict de-escalation strategies in the workplace.
Renewed Calls for Workplace Safety and Mental Health Support
This tragedy is part of a broader national pattern of workplace violence, prompting renewed calls for employers and lawmakers to address the root causes of such incidents. Experts stress that early intervention programs, employee assistance services, and workplace threat assessments can help prevent similar events.
“Workplaces need proactive policies to handle conflict and mental health challenges before they escalate,” said Dr. Karen Fields, a workplace violence consultant. “Ignoring warning signs can be fatal.”
Authorities have not disclosed whether Eduh had a known history of behavioral issues or disciplinary action at work, but co-workers have come forward suggesting previous tensions may have existed.
A Community in Mourning
The Covington community continues to grieve the loss of three young lives—two of whom were just beginning their careers. Friends and families of the victims have created online fundraisers to support funeral costs and medical expenses. At local churches and schools, community members have gathered for vigils to remember the victims and call for peace.
As investigators work to piece together the full timeline of events, the community is left with heartbreak and questions about how to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Walmart shooting has served as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address violence in all forms—especially in places meant to be safe and familiar.
For further details and official updates from law enforcement, visit ABC News’ report on the Walmart Georgia shooting.
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