John Willoughby
reporter2@greenepublishing.com
Family and friends of a Greenville man are mourning the loss of their loved one after an early morning shooting claimed the life of 22-year-old Kenneth McQuay Jr. on Sunday, July 5. The shooting occurred around 2:06 a.m.
In a report by the Madison County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), deputies responded to the scene of the shooting at a location off of SE Old County Camp Road, known as "big valley." Observing a large crowd dispersing the area, deputies and Madison Police Department (MPD) officers arrived and were made aware by Madison County Communications that two adult males suffering from gunshot wounds had arrived at Madison County Memorial Hospital via personal vehicle. One of those victims, McQuay, was pronounced deceased as a result of a gunshot wound, while the other sustained non-life-threatening injuries. It was later learned that a third victim was also shot and transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, by way of a personal vehicle, with non-life-threatening injuries.
The scene was secured, and MCSO investigators took the primary lead in the investigation. Multiple people who were present at the time of the shooting were interviewed; however, no one reported witnessing anything – only hearing numerous gunshots and seeing people run in all directions.
As a result of the cooperative investigative efforts put forth by the MCSO, MPD, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and the Leon County Sheriff's Office, two suspects were identified and subsequently arrested within 16 hours of the incident. The firearm believed to be the weapon used in the commission of the felony was also recovered.
Monticello-resident Brad Cameron Whitfield, 30, was taken into custody and charged with murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and aggravated battery by firearm. Derices Devon Dunlap, 24, of Greenville, was also arrested and charged with accessory to murder after the fact.
Hours after the incident, memories began flooding social media of "Jay" or "Bubba," as McQuay is affectionately called by many. Even the head football coach of the Madison County Cowboys memorialized his memory of McQuay, by saying, "I love you man, and I know you know Jesus because we had talks at Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp." Coach Mike Coe led McQuay in 2014 and 2015. "You know, Kenny wasn't the fastest or strongest, but you couldn't tell it by the way he played," Coe stated. "He had things that you couldn't teach on a football field; a knack for making big plays … his football IQ was off the charts. The last time I saw him during football season last November, we caught up and told each other we loved each other and for that, I'll be eternally grateful."
McQuay leaves behind his three-year-old daughter, Ka'loni McQuay; mother and father, Roshannon Powell and Kenneth McQuay Sr.; siblings: Fantavia Wilson, Kennetria McQuay, Kenneshia McQuay, Keshawn McQuay, Dionshay McQuay and Kadence McQuay; and special friend, Akeela Thomas.
The investigation into McQuay's death and the shooting that injured two others remains open and on-going. MCSO asks that anyone with information contact them immediately at (850) 973-4151.