THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB/WIS) - Authorities in Georgia say a 21-year-old Army veteran from the Midlands was carjacked and robbed before being shot to death last week.
Investigators filed additional charges on Tuesday against four people arrested in connection with murder of Hassan Williams of West Columbia.
The 21-year-old was found shot twice behind a home in Thomasville, GA on July 17.
Two men and two women were arrested about 48 hours later.
Kiera Shanise Graham, 22, Kimberly Deshaundra Williams, 26, Alvin David, III, 20, and Chaquel Jaquez Cook, 18, were initially charged with murder, but investigators have filed hijacking a motor vehicle, arson, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and cruelty to children against the suspects.
"There was a least one child present when these crimes were being committed," said a spokesperson for the Thomasville Police Department.
No other details were released, but the Georgia Bureau of Investigations says it is still following up on leads to figure out exactly what led to the crime.
Police said that tips from the community led to the arrests.
Williams lived with his parents, Aida Williams and Perry Pugh, on Wessinger Street in West Columbia.
"It's not fair to take away somebody like this from all of us for nothing. He did so much over there," Aida said. "It's just not fair."
Investigators still do not know why Williams was in Thomasville, but say he was honorably discharged from the Army on July 9.
"He had left here on Sunday going to visit some friends in Virginia," Aida said. "I don't know why he was there."
"Everybody he came in contact with, it was like automatic love," Perry said. "Couldn't help but like him."
Williams graduated a few years ago from Brookland-Cayce High School, where he played football for the Bearcats.
Aida says Hassan joined the Army right out of high school.
"Hassan had a 2-year-old daughter that was being born right after high school and he figured that was the best way he can serve his country and take care of his daughter and he would make her proud," Aida said.
Aida doesn't know how she'll tell his daughter that her father is not coming home again.
"She's a smart kid," Aida said. "She's not an average 2-year-old. And she knew her dad. So I don't know where to begin or how to even explain to her."
A prayer vigil for Williams is planned at the high school football field where he once played.
It will take place on
Sunday, July 29th at 8:30 p.m. at the football field of Brookland Cayce High School.
If you know anything about this crime you are asked to call Thomasville crime stoppers at 229-227-3305 or you can "text a tip" to 274637. Type in the keyword THPD.
Copyright 2012 WALB and WIS. All rights reserved.
Hassan Hana Williams (Source: WALB)
