A celebration at Twin Cities Plaza in Sandersville, Georgia, turned deadly in the early morning hours after Thanksgiving. On November 24, 2023, 32-year-old Thomas Womble Jr., who lived in nearby Sparta, was shot during disturbances that erupted as two separate parties wound down. About 500 people were at the plaza and law enforcement from the Sandersville Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office were already on scene trying to disperse the crowd when gunfire was heard.

Womble was treated by emergency personnel and taken by ambulance to Washington County Regional Medical Center, where he died of his injuries. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist. Later that day, 27-year-old Xzavious Wicker of Sandersville turned himself in and was arrested on charges including felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime. The investigation into the early morning violence is ongoing.

If anyone attended the events at Twin Cities Plaza that night or has information about the shooting, please come forward.