Case Info

On Friday, December 1, 2023, the Fitzgerald Police Department requested the GBI to investigate a death that occurred at a house on the corner of Thomas Street and Pine Street, in Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, Georgia. 

At about 9:00 p.m. on December 1, 2023, gunshots were reported by several people near the house. When first responders arrived at the scene, they discovered that Donna “Donnell” Stephens, age 68, of Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, and another Fitzgerald man had been shot. Both men were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

At the time of the shooting, Stephens and the other victim were in a parked vehicle outside of the house, watching a football game on a cell phone. Many people were present at the time of the shooting. The two men and several other people were interviewed after the shooting and reported that they heard gunshots coming from the field across from the home. None of the witnesses interviewed could determine who fired the shots or provide a description of the shooters.

On December 20, 2023, Stephens died at the hospital as a result of his injuries from the shooting

At the time, no arrests have been made.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is requesting any information on the case. Please contact the GBI Tipline at 1-800-597-8477. Submissions may also be submitted online at gbi.ga.gov.