Randy Lamont Diamond

Randy Lamont Diamond, a man remembered by friends as a funny and loving person, was a familiar face in his Rome, Georgia, community. The 44-year-old Black man, a graduate of East Rome High School, worked as a security guard and was a father. Known to his friends as "big randy," his life was tragically cut short on a summer evening in a dispute that escalated to gunfire, marking the city's third homicide of 2017.

The incident unfolded on Saturday, June 17, 2017, at Diamond’s duplex apartment on East Main Street. Just before 11 p.m., Frederick Duane Driver, then 48, arrived at the residence and knocked on the door. A witness later recounted the sequence of events to the Rome Police Department. According to this witness, Diamond opened the door and immediately asked Driver, “Do you have my money?” When Driver replied that he did not, Diamond punched him. Following the altercation, Driver left the apartment and walked away, heading in the direction of the nearby Lexus Lounge.

A short time later, Driver returned to the property. By this point, Diamond was on his front porch and, upon seeing Driver approach, told him to leave. Instead of complying, Driver allegedly pulled out a pistol and began shooting at Diamond. Diamond was struck multiple times by the gunfire. Emergency services from Floyd County EMS were dispatched to the scene and provided immediate medical attention before rushing him to a local hospital. Despite their efforts, Randy Diamond succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The Rome Police Department launched an immediate homicide investigation, with Detective Pete Sailors leading the case. Based on witness statements, investigators quickly identified Frederick Duane Driver as the sole suspect in the fatal shooting. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and police appealed to the public for any information that could help locate him. The search for Driver continued for several days.

The manhunt concluded on the morning of Tuesday, June 21, 2017. Driver contacted the police himself to arrange his surrender. Just before 11 a.m., he turned himself in to authorities at a Kangaroo Express convenience store in Rome. He was taken into custody without incident and formally charged in connection with Randy Diamond's death.

Frederick Duane Driver faced multiple charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. During his trial in Floyd County Superior Court, Driver’s defense argued that he had acted in self-defense during the confrontation. After hearing the evidence and testimony, the jury returned a mixed verdict. They found Driver not guilty of malice murder, but convicted him of the lesser charge of felony murder.

In addition to the felony murder conviction, the jury found Driver guilty on two counts of aggravated assault, one count of aggravated battery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Following the verdict, a judge sentenced Frederick Duane Driver to life in prison with the possibility of parole, plus an additional five years. With the conviction and sentencing, the case of Randy Diamond's murder is considered closed by the justice system.