The quiet residential streets of Saussy Road in Port Wentworth, Georgia, were rocked by a fatal shooting on Saturday evening, November 30, 2024. Antwan Small, a 49-year-old man known for his strong community ties and gentle nature, was shot and killed in what authorities describe as an incident stemming from a personal dispute. Chatham County Coroner David Campbell confirmed that Small died on the scene after being struck by at least one gunshot. As police launched a multistate manhunt for the alleged gunman, 47-year-old Frederic Green, the investigation revealed a story that highlighted personal conflict, swift law enforcement collaboration, and the tragedy of a life lost too soon.
The Port Wentworth Police Department received a report of gunfire around 8:30 p.m. on Saussy Road, a residential area situated just beyond the Allier condo complex. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Small unresponsive, with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. Medical personnel pronounced him dead shortly thereafter. Early investigations suggested that the incident was not random but rather the result of a personal dispute between Small and Green. The nature of the disagreement has not yet been disclosed, but police believe it escalated into a lethal confrontation.
As news of the shooting spread, Port Wentworth PD quickly identified Green as the primary suspect and issued a warning to the public, describing him as armed and dangerous. Officials also released details of the vehicle Green was believed to be driving, triggering an interstate search. The urgency of the situation led to collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia State Patrol, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, and Hinesville Police Department. The search expanded beyond state lines as authorities tracked Green’s movements northward, culminating in his apprehension nearly 600 miles away in St. Louis, Missouri.
The breakthrough came when officers with the Lake St. Louis Police Department in Missouri located Green after spotting the vehicle associated with the crime. When approached, Green attempted to flee, leading to a brief pursuit that ended with his arrest. He was taken into custody without further incident and is currently being held at the St. Charles County Department of Corrections as he awaits extradition to Georgia to face charges related to Small’s death. The swift resolution of the search underscores the critical role of interstate law enforcement collaboration. In a statement, the Port Wentworth Police Department expressed its gratitude to the agencies involved, saying, “The Port Wentworth Police Department extends its gratitude to the Lake St. Louis Police Department, St. Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, and Hinesville Police Department for their collaboration in bringing this matter to a swift resolution.”
The violent death of Antwan Small has left his family and community reeling. Known for his kind demeanor and dedication to his family, Small’s loss is deeply felt. A close family member described him as “a man who loved his community, his family, and his friends. He didn’t deserve this, and our hearts are broken.” The family is currently arranging funeral services and has requested privacy as they grieve. They also expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts in apprehending Green, ensuring that justice will be pursued for their loved one.
While the investigation into the precise details of the dispute and the moments leading up to the shooting remains ongoing, Small’s death highlights broader issues surrounding interpersonal violence and the need for conflict resolution resources. Personal disputes that escalate into violence are a pervasive issue in many communities. Experts in conflict resolution suggest that addressing underlying tensions before they reach a breaking point could prevent such tragedies. “What we often see in these cases is a lack of accessible resources for managing conflict,” said Dr. Maria Lopez, a sociologist specializing in community violence. “Providing avenues for mediation, counseling, and support could make a real difference.”
The incident also raises questions about the accessibility of firearms and the ease with which disputes can turn deadly. While authorities have not disclosed whether Green legally owned the weapon used in the shooting, the case underscores ongoing debates about gun control and the balance between Second Amendment rights and public safety. In Georgia, where firearm ownership is widespread, advocates for stricter gun laws argue that measures such as enhanced background checks and mandatory waiting periods could reduce the frequency of gun-related violence.
For the residents of Port Wentworth, the shooting has shattered the sense of security that many felt in their community. “We never thought something like this could happen here,” said a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s a quiet area, and Antwan was a good man. It’s just so tragic.” In response to the incident, community leaders are organizing a vigil to honor Small’s memory and provide a space for neighbors to come together in solidarity. Scheduled for Sunday evening, the vigil will take place at a local park, where attendees will light candles and share memories of Small.
As the legal process unfolds, Green will face a series of charges, including murder and potentially additional counts depending on the investigation’s findings. The extradition process from Missouri to Georgia is expected to be completed within weeks, at which point Green will be formally charged and arraigned. Prosecutors will likely seek the maximum penalties allowable under Georgia law, given the nature of the crime and its impact on the community.
This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved personal conflicts and the ripple effects of violence on families and communities. As Port Wentworth mourns the loss of Antwan Small, the hope is that his story will inspire efforts to address the root causes of violence and foster a culture of peace and understanding.
