QUITMAN, Ga. — Khalil Proctor, a 20-year-old man from Quitman, Georgia, has been arrested and charged in connection with the tragic fatal shooting of 25-year-old Edward Denson. The shooting occurred late Monday evening, sending shockwaves through the community of Quitman and prompting a swift response from local law enforcement and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Proctor was taken into custody after an immediate investigation by the GBI, which identified him as the primary suspect in the killing of Denson. According to a press release issued by the GBI, Proctor has been formally charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. As of now, Proctor is being held at the Brooks County Jail, where he awaits further legal proceedings.

The Fatal Incident: What Happened That Night?

The fatal shooting took place on the evening of April 28, 2025, in Quitman, a small town located in south Georgia. According to law enforcement sources, a violent altercation occurred between Proctor and Denson, culminating in the shooting that would take Denson’s life. The exact circumstances leading to the confrontation remain unclear, but law enforcement officials have worked tirelessly to piece together the details of the night.

Initial reports suggest that Proctor and Denson were involved in some form of argument, but the nature of the dispute has not yet been fully disclosed. What is known is that the situation escalated quickly, resulting in Proctor firing a fatal shot that struck Denson. Emergency services were called to the scene, but by the time they arrived, Denson was pronounced dead from his injuries.

In the hours following the shooting, the GBI and local law enforcement agencies launched an immediate investigation. They worked to secure evidence from the crime scene, including gathering witness statements, reviewing any available surveillance footage, and collecting forensic evidence that could assist in identifying the perpetrator. Within hours, Proctor was identified as the suspect, and he was arrested without incident.

Khalil Proctor: The Suspect

Khalil Proctor, a 20-year-old from Quitman, is now facing serious charges in connection with the death of Edward Denson. Little is known about Proctor’s background at this time, though authorities have indicated that he and Denson may have had a history of conflicts. Law enforcement has not yet released specific details about Proctor’s relationship with the victim, but they are investigating all possible motives for the shooting.

Proctor’s arrest came swiftly after the investigation began. The GBI agents and local law enforcement officers involved in the case worked quickly to identify him as the primary suspect. Following his arrest, Proctor was booked into the Brooks County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. He faces charges of felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Each of these charges carries significant penalties, with felony murder potentially leading to life imprisonment.

The swift identification of Proctor as a suspect and his subsequent arrest reflect the urgency with which local law enforcement and the GBI are approaching this case. The speed at which the investigation progressed also highlights the commitment of the agencies involved to deliver justice for Edward Denson and his family.

Edward Denson: A Life Cut Short

Edward Denson, the victim in this tragic incident, was 25 years old at the time of his death. Denson’s passing has left a deep void in the Quitman community, with friends and family mourning his untimely death. According to those close to him, Denson was known for his kind-hearted nature and his dedication to his family. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from those who knew him.

Denson’s family has expressed their devastation over the loss of their loved one. While details about Denson’s personal life remain limited, it is clear that he was someone who touched the lives of many in the community. His family and friends are now left to cope with the aftermath of a senseless act of violence that has forever changed their lives.

Local residents of Quitman have also shared their sorrow, with many expressing shock and disbelief over the violence that has struck their community. “It’s heartbreaking to hear about something like this happening so close to home,” one resident commented. “Quitman is such a quiet, peaceful place, and to know that something like this happened here is just so tragic.”

The Investigation: A Community in Shock

The investigation into Edward Denson’s death is ongoing, with the GBI continuing to gather evidence and piece together the details of the incident. Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact nature of the altercation between Proctor and Denson, nor have they revealed whether the two men knew each other prior to the shooting. However, law enforcement officials are leaving no stone unturned as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

“We are committed to getting to the truth of what happened here and ensuring that justice is served for Mr. Denson and his family,” said a representative from the GBI. “Our agents are working tirelessly to gather evidence and continue this investigation, and we will ensure that all leads are followed.”

The investigation has also included the collection of witness testimonies, forensic evidence from the crime scene, and a review of any nearby surveillance footage that may provide additional insight into the incident. The GBI has been working closely with local law enforcement agencies in Quitman to ensure a comprehensive investigation and to bring clarity to what happened on the night of the shooting.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the shooting to come forward. The GBI has set up multiple channels for anonymous tips, including a phone line and an online tip submission website. Law enforcement is hoping that anyone with knowledge of the events leading up to the shooting will step forward and help provide further details that could assist in the investigation.

The Charges: What Proctor Faces

Khalil Proctor has been formally charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. These are serious charges, each carrying severe penalties under Georgia law.

• Felony Murder: Under Georgia law, felony murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person while committing a felony. In this case, the felony that led to Denson’s death is aggravated assault. Felony murder carries a penalty of life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after 30 years, though parole is not guaranteed.
• Aggravated Assault: Aggravated assault is a charge that applies when a person intentionally causes bodily harm to another, using a weapon or other means that could result in serious injury. This charge, in this case, applies because Proctor allegedly shot Denson during the altercation. Aggravated assault is a felony, and a conviction can result in significant prison time.
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime: This charge applies when someone uses a firearm in the commission of a felony. Given that Proctor allegedly shot Denson with a firearm, this charge adds additional penalties to his sentence, potentially leading to more prison time if he is convicted.

The legal proceedings are still in their early stages, and Proctor is expected to have his day in court to answer these charges. As the investigation progresses and more details are revealed, it is likely that additional charges or details will emerge. The legal process will continue to unfold, and Proctor will have the opportunity to defend himself against the allegations in court.

Community Reactions: A Town in Mourning

The shooting of Edward Denson has sent shockwaves through Quitman, a small town in Brooks County, Georgia, where residents pride themselves on their close-knit, peaceful community. In the wake of Denson’s death, many residents have expressed their disbelief at the violence that has rocked their town.

“Quitman is a place where people know each other, where you can leave your door unlocked and feel safe,” one local resident shared. “To have something like this happen here is just unimaginable.”

The tragic incident has prompted conversations about the growing problem of violence in small-town America. While Quitman has traditionally been a quiet, rural community, this fatal shooting is a reminder that even small towns are not immune to the dangers of gun violence.

In response to the tragedy, local organizations and community leaders are coming together to offer support to Denson’s family and to help residents cope with the emotional impact of the shooting. Support groups and counseling services are being made available to anyone affected by the incident, with local churches and community centers offering safe spaces for people to talk and heal.

“We are here for each other, and we will support the Denson family through this difficult time,” said a local community leader. “This tragedy has affected all of us, and we will come together as a community to help each other through it.”

Looking Forward: The Road to Justice

As the investigation into Edward Denson’s death continues, the road to justice remains uncertain. Khalil Proctor has been arrested and charged, but the legal process is just beginning. Proctor will have the opportunity to defend himself in court, and the full details of the case will be revealed as the trial progresses.

For the Denson family, the hope is that justice will be served and that the memory of their loved one will be honored. The tragic loss of a young life in such a senseless act of violence has left a profound mark on the Quitman community. As the case unfolds, the hope is that the investigation will bring closure to those affected and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.

In the meantime, authorities continue to call on the public for any information that could help in the investigation. The GBI’s tip line remains open, and investigators are urging anyone who may know something about the incident to come forward.

“We will not stop until we have all the facts, and we will continue working to ensure justice is done for Edward Denson,” said a spokesperson for the GBI.

As the legal process moves forward, the focus will remain on the pursuit of justice for Edward Denson, a young man whose life was tragically cut short. The investigation continues, and the community of Quitman remains in mourning as they await answers.