The argument was verbal until it wasn't. On a seemingly ordinary Thursday afternoon at the Sunoco station on 740 E. 7th Street in Waynesboro, Georgia, what began as a heated exchange quickly spiraled into chaos that no one involved will forget. The scene that unfolded that day was shocking in its suddenness—a moment where words turned into violence and a life was forever changed.
Witnesses recall that just after noon, inside the convenience store, tempers flared. What started as a disagreement over something as mundane as a spilled drink or a misplaced item quickly escalated, drawing onlookers and bystanders into a tense, volatile situation.
The heated exchange spilled outside, drawing attention from those nearby. As the crowd gathered, the confrontation became more aggressive, more uncontrollable. What witnesses describe as a furious back-and-forth rapidly morphed into something far more dangerous. In the blink of an eye, the situation escalated beyond words—shouting turned into shoving, and then, gunfire shattered the tense air. Shots rang out, echoing through the streets and startling everyone within earshot. Kennarius Roshawn McBride, a 23-year-old young man, was struck by gunfire. His life was suddenly hanging in the balance in a place where people usually only complain about gas prices or long lines.
The chaos that ensued was immediate. Sirens wailed in the distance as police and emergency responders rushed to the scene. Witnesses describe the frantic moments—people scrambling for cover, calls for help being made, and the sight of Kennarius lying on the pavement, bleeding heavily from his injuries. Emergency medical personnel arrived swiftly, working desperately to save him. Despite their efforts, the injuries proved to be fatal. Kennarius was transported to Burke Medical Center, but tragically, he succumbed to his wounds. In that instant, a family’s world was shattered, and a community’s sense of safety was shaken.
Surveillance footage from the store and surrounding area played a crucial role in the investigation. The footage revealed the identity of the shooter—Jalen Floyd Cox, 26 years old. His face was captured clearly, and investigators quickly moved to locate him. Later that day, Cox voluntarily turned himself in at the Burke County Detention Center, surrendering without resistance. His cooperation was noted, but it does little to undo what happened or bring Kennarius back. The pain and grief remain raw for those who loved him and for the community that now mourns a life lost far too soon.
The Burke County Sheriff's Office and Waynesboro Police continue their investigation, seeking answers and justice. They are appealing for anyone who was present nearby or who might have seen something to come forward. Tips can be made by calling (706) 554-2133 or through anonymous channels, including tips via the P3 app or the Crime Stoppers hotline. Every detail, no matter how small, could be critical to understanding how a simple trip to the store turned deadly.
For Kennarius's loved ones, the wound of his loss is painfully fresh. Grief hangs heavily over their heads, compounded by the helplessness of not knowing all the details or understanding why it happened. The community is rallying around them, offering support and comfort, but grief is a weight no casserole or kind word can fully lift. Somewhere in Waynesboro, a family is struggling to come to terms with the reality that their son’s life ended in a place that was supposed to be familiar and safe. They are trying to find meaning amid tragedy, attempting to grasp how a routine errand became the final moment of someone they loved dearly.
As the investigation continues, the community hopes for answers and justice. But for now, the truth remains elusive, buried in the chaos of that day—an unforgettable reminder of how quickly life can change and how fragile peace truly is. Kennarius Roshawn McBride's story is a heartbreaking chapter in Waynesboro’s history, a stark reminder that violence can erupt in an instant, leaving behind wounds that may never fully heal.
