On the night of August 22, 2021, Thomaston, Georgia lost a well-known community member when 48-year-old Marlon Smith, known as Wacky, was fatally shot at the Handy Mart on Walker Street. Smith was a funeral director and embalmer for Bentley’s and Sons Funeral Homes and was respected in both Thomaston and nearby Macon. Investigators concluded the shooting was a targeted attack.

Police arrested Chauncey Powell of Worthy Drive in Thomaston shortly after the incident and charged him with first-degree murder. The arrest was made without incident. Prosecutors presented eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage from the convenience store as part of the case; Powell later pleaded guilty to felony murder.

Vigils and memorial services were held as the community mourned Smith and discussed violence and public safety. If anyone knew Marlon or saw activity at the Handy Mart on August 22, 2021, please share information that might help those who knew him find closure.