In the quiet town of Quitman, Georgia, a vibrant young life was tragically cut short, leaving a community grappling with grief and questions. Edward Denson, a 25-year-old resident, was fatally shot in his home on West Hill Street late Monday evening, April 28, 2025, at approximately 10:14 p.m. The loss of Denson, described by neighbors as a kind and ambitious young man, has sent shockwaves through this close-knit South Georgia town, where such violence is rare. Within hours of the incident, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested 20-year-old Khalil Proctor, a Quitman resident, charging him with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Proctor now sits in the Brooks County Jail as the investigation continues to unfold, with authorities seeking answers to what drove this deadly encounter.
The Quitman Police Department responded swiftly to reports of gunfire at 201 West Hill Street, a modest residential area known for its tight community bonds. Upon arrival, officers found Denson suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. His body was transported to the GBI Crime Lab in Macon for a detailed autopsy to determine the precise cause of death, though initial reports confirm he was killed by gunfire. The GBI was called in to assist with the investigation, a standard procedure in cases of homicide to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry. Agents, alongside local police, worked through the night, conducting interviews with witnesses, collecting physical evidence, and processing the crime scene. Their efforts led to the rapid identification of Proctor as the alleged shooter, a development that has left many in Quitman stunned.
Proctor’s arrest, less than 24 hours after the shooting, underscores the urgency with which law enforcement approached the case. Authorities have not yet released details about the motive or the relationship, if any, between Proctor and Denson. However, the charges filed—felony murder, aggravated assault, and illegal firearm possession—suggest a deliberate and violent act. The speed of the arrest has provided some reassurance to a rattled community, but it has also raised questions about what led to such a tragedy in a town where residents pride themselves on looking out for one another. Neighbors near the West Hill Street residence expressed disbelief, noting that the area is typically peaceful, with children often playing outside and families gathering for evening chats.
The GBI has emphasized that the investigation is far from over. Agents are meticulously piecing together the events leading up to the shooting, examining forensic evidence and seeking additional witness accounts. The agency has issued a public call for information, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. Tips can be shared directly with the GBI’s Thomasville Regional Investigative Office or submitted anonymously through a dedicated hotline or online portal. This appeal reflects the agency’s commitment to ensuring no stone is left unturned in pursuit of justice for Denson and his family.
Quitman, a small town in Brooks County with a population of just over 3,800, is no stranger to hardship, but violent crime of this nature is an anomaly. The shooting has prompted community leaders to call for unity and reflection, with local churches planning vigils to honor Denson’s memory. As the legal process moves forward, Proctor’s case will likely draw significant attention, not only for the severity of the charges but also for what it reveals about the underlying tensions that may exist beneath Quitman’s tranquil surface. For now, the town mourns a young man taken too soon, while holding onto hope that clarity and justice will emerge from this heartbreaking tragedy.
