Patricia Duncan

Patricia Duncan, a 56-year-old Black woman remembered by friends and neighbors as a beautiful, genuine, and caring person, was killed on the evening of Thursday, July 3, 2025, an innocent victim of a wave of violence that swept through her Albany, Georgia community. She was a mother, sister, and daughter, and her death was a devastating blow to those who knew her as someone who cared for everyone and was easy to get along with. Her friends said she would be deeply missed and did not deserve her tragic fate.

On that warm evening, just before the Fourth of July holiday, Duncan was resting on her front porch in the 2400 block of Leonard Avenue. At approximately 8:05 p.m., a car reportedly stopped at a nearby intersection. Witnesses described individuals getting out of the vehicle and opening fire. Duncan was struck by the gunfire and died at the scene on her porch. A friend who was with her just moments before the shooting initially mistook the gunshots for holiday fireworks, only to hear someone cry out that Patricia had been shot and was gone.

The Albany Police Department responded to the scene and launched a homicide investigation. Duncan's killing was one of two fatal shootings that occurred in the city within just a few hours. Earlier that evening, 19-year-old Jamorion King was shot and killed in the 600 block of West Highland Avenue. Investigators, including Albany Police Chief Michael Persley, soon announced that they believed the two homicides were connected and motivated by gang-related conflict. The chief made it clear that Patricia Duncan was not the intended target of the attack. "Ms. Duncan was not the intended target," Persley stated in a public announcement. "We are working diligently to identify those responsible."

In the days following the shooting, the Albany Police Department publicly identified two persons of interest in connection with Patricia Duncan's murder: 32-year-old Jamarious Devonte Wright and 18-year-old Deshon Camond Garner. Police also named three other individuals as persons of interest in the related killing of Jamarion King. Despite releasing their names and photos to the public, no subsequent announcements have been made regarding any arrests or charges filed in Duncan's specific case.

The senseless violence that claimed an innocent woman's life left her community shaken and heartbroken. Friends and loved ones gathered, urging for peace and an end to the bloodshed. "It’s going to take all communities... for everyone to work together to build a bridge to gap some of the violence that’s going on around here," one friend said. Another, Arthur Bryant, pleaded for young people to value life, saying, "Guys, put the guns down. Enjoy life. God gave us life to live and to enjoy until He gets ready to take it away."

As of the latest available reports from July 2025, the investigation into Patricia Duncan's murder remains open. Authorities have not announced any arrests or filed charges in her death. A reward of $2,000 was offered for information leading to an arrest in the case. The Albany Police Department and Crime Stoppers continue to ask anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward. Tips can be directed to Crime Stoppers at 229-436-TIPS or the Albany Police Department at 229-302-0753.