Covington, GA — In a poignant tribute to a life cut tragically short, family and friends of Khalaf Barksdale released balloons on Tuesday, marking what would have been his 22nd birthday. The gathering was a bittersweet occasion, shadowed by the grim memory of a violent shooting spree at a local Walmart where he was employed. The tragic event left three dead, including Barksdale.
The community is still seeking answers following the shocking incident which unfolded when a Walmart employee, Dwayne Eduh, embarked on a deadly rampage. The violence began at the Walmart on Salem Road, where Eduh shot Barksdale, a coworker, before targeting two others offsite.
Among the victims was 19-year-old Akeela Clarke, who was killed at her home in front of her mother. “She fell on impact, and in that moment, I knew that my daughter was gone,” Samantha Clarke, Akeela’s mother, recounted the harrowing experience.
The shooter then turned the gun on himself, concluding the violent spree. The community and investigators are still piecing together the events, relying on surveillance footage and statements from surviving witnesses, including Ryan Bradley who is currently recovering in the ICU.
The lack of a clear motive has compounded the grief for the victims’ families and friends. “For this to be so unexpected and not know why is very hard. It’s very hard to deal with not knowing why he didn’t come home,” Katrina Williams-Watson, a family member of Barksdale, expressed her distress.
As the small town grapples with the aftermath, the focus has shifted to commemorating the lives lost rather than dwelling solely on the senseless violence. Loved ones of Barksdale choose to celebrate the positive impact he had on their lives, remembering his vibrant spirit and kind heart.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the motive behind the killings, hopeful that insights from Bradley’s recovery might provide further clarity. Meanwhile, the community remains united in remembrance, determined to honor those they have lost with tributes such as the balloon release—a stark, visual statement against gun violence.
This incident highlights ongoing issues of workplace safety and gun control, stirring discussions within the community and beyond about preventive measures. It is a piercing reminder of the suddenness with which violence can disrupt lives and challenge the fabric of community resilience and unity.