Troy Police Identify Jonathan Rayvon Williams, 23, as Suspect in Triple Fatal Shooting Ruled a Murder-Suicide
Troy, Alabama — The Troy Police Department has confirmed the identities of the three men found dead in Troy in what has been ruled a tragic murder–suicide. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 20, 2025, in rural Pike County. Authorities say the gunman took the lives of two individuals before killing himself.
👤 Who the Victims Were
The victims were officially identified as:
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Jonathan Rayvon Williams, 23, of Troy — identified as the shooter
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Christopher C. Stanford, 42, of Ozark — shot inside his residence
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Aquantis K. Thomas, 33, of Troy — encountered and shot after leaving his vehicle
📍 Timeline & Circumstances
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At approximately 10:30 p.m. on July 20, police were called to the 100 block of New Street in Troy after reports of a man lying in the road. They discovered Aquantis Thomas deceased from gunshot wounds. Investigators were directed to a nearby residence where Christopher Stanford was found killed as well.
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Subsequently, Jonathan Williams was located deceased in the driver’s seat of a gray Nissan Altima found on North Three Notch Street near Needmore Road. He had died by an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities believe he had taken this car from Thomas, whom he shot prior to his own death.
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Police have concluded that Williams was responsible for both homicides before ending his own life.
🔎 Current Investigation
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The Troy Police Department, in coordination with the Pike County District Attorney’s Office, is actively investigating to determine the motive behind the shootings and any connections among the individuals involved. The motive remains unclear at this time, and authorities have stated there is no known relationship between Williams and his victims before the incident.
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Officials have emphasized that there is currently no known ongoing threat to the community stemming from this event.
📝 Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, July 20, 2025 |
| Location | 100 block of New Street & North Three Notch Rd, Troy, AL |
| Victims | Christopher C. Stanford (42); Aquantis K. Thomas (33) |
| Shooter/Victim | Jonathan Rayvon Williams, 23 (died by suicide) |
| Incident Type | Murder–suicide |
| Investigation | Troy PD & Pike County DA’s Office |
| Community Threat | No ongoing threat reported |
💬 Response & Outreach
Troy Police Chief Danny Barron extended heartfelt condolences to the families impacted by this tragic event, emphasizing the senseless loss and the community’s shared grief. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information—such as surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts—to come forward and support the investigation.
🕯️ Final Reflections
This violent act—ending in the deaths of three lives—has left deep scars within the Troy and Pike County community. As investigators work to understand what led to this tragedy, residents and loved ones are left to mourn an unprecedented loss.
Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and community members affected. May the memory of those lost be honored, and may healing follow in the wake of such sorrow.