TROY, Ala. – Authorities in Troy have identified the three men killed in a tragic series of shootings that unfolded on the night of Sunday, July 20, and confirmed that Jonathan Rayvon Williams, 23, of Troy, was responsible for all three deaths — including his own.
The victims are:
- Jonathan Rayvon Williams, 23, of Troy
- Christopher C. Stanford, 42, of Ozark
- Aquantis K. Thomas, 33, of Troy
According to the Troy Police Department, the deadly sequence began around 10:30 p.m., when officers responded to a report of a man lying in the roadway in the 100 block of New Street. There, they found Aquantis Thomas deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.
As officers investigated, they were directed to a nearby home on the same street. Inside, they discovered the body of Christopher Stanford, who had also been fatally shot.
Witnesses at the scene reported that a gray Nissan Altima, believed to belong to Thomas’s girlfriend, had been taken. A short time later, police located the vehicle abandoned on the side of North Three Notch Street near Needmore Road. Inside, they found Jonathan Rayvon Williams dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Following further investigation, authorities determined that Williams had forcibly entered Stanford’s home, where he shot and killed him. He then walked down the street and encountered Thomas, who was seated in the Altima. Williams shot Thomas, pulled him from the car, and fled in the stolen vehicle before taking his own life shortly thereafter.
At this time, the motive remains unclear, and police say there is no known relationship between Williams and either of the victims. The Troy Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“This is a deeply painful and senseless loss of life,” the department stated. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims as they endure unimaginable grief.”
Authorities are asking anyone with further information to contact the Troy Police Department or submit tips anonymously. The investigation remains ongoing.
