A Georgia man is being sought by law enforcement after authorities say he ambushed his former girlfriend outside a convenience store, shot her inside her vehicle, and then pursued her into the business where he allegedly fired additional shots that killed her.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as Antwane Sintell Thurmond, 45, who is wanted on charges of malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault under Georgia’s Family Violence Act in connection with the death of 44-year-old Tia Vidon Keith.
Investigators say Thurmond has not yet been arrested and remains a fugitive.
Authorities Say Suspect Waited Inside Victim’s Vehicle
According to investigators, the shooting happened shortly after 9:30 p.m. Thursday at Subhanallah Food Mart in Gainesville, Georgia.
Deputies said Keith entered the convenience store to purchase a few items. While she was inside, authorities believe Thurmond, who previously lived with Keith, entered her vehicle and waited in the passenger seat.
When Keith returned to her car, investigators say Thurmond allegedly opened fire, shooting her multiple times while she was still inside the vehicle.
Victim Ran Into Store Seeking Safety
Despite suffering gunshot wounds, Keith managed to get out of her vehicle and ran back inside the convenience store in an effort to escape and seek help.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Thurmond allegedly chased her into the store.
The store owner later told local television station WSB that surveillance footage showed Keith running toward the restroom area before collapsing.
Investigators allege Thurmond caught up to her, stood over her, and fired several more shots.
Deputies said Keith died from her injuries on the floor of the convenience store.
Witnesses Called 911
A store employee immediately contacted emergency dispatch after the shooting.
Authorities said both the clerk and another customer who were inside the store during the incident escaped without injuries.
Following the shooting, Thurmond allegedly fled the scene in his own vehicle before law enforcement arrived.
Investigators have not released any information regarding a possible motive for the attack.
Search Continues for Suspect
Deputies later recovered Thurmond’s vehicle and executed a search warrant at his home in the Metro Atlanta area.
However, authorities were unable to locate him, and he remains at large.
Law enforcement has warned the public that Thurmond should be considered armed and dangerous.
Suspect Description Released
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office described Thurmond as:
- 45 years old
- Approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall
- About 212 pounds
- Black hair and brown eyes
- Multiple tattoos, including “ROMANS 12:19” tattooed on his neck
- A prosthetic lower left leg, causing him to walk with a slight limp
Authorities are asking anyone who sees Thurmond or knows where he may be to contact the Hall County Sheriff’s Office immediately. Anonymous tips are also being accepted.
Victim Remembered as Successful Hairstylist
According to her Facebook profile, Tia Keith was a hairstylist who owned and operated her own salon.
Family members described her as a loving, generous, and compassionate woman who cared deeply about others.
Her cousin, Charlotte Sosebee, told WSB that she hopes people remember Keith for her kind heart, warm personality, sense of humor, and willingness to help anyone in need.
She also said Keith took pride in her appearance, had a glamorous style, and was deeply loved by her family.
Charges Against Thurmond
Authorities have obtained arrest warrants charging Antwane Sintell Thurmond with:
- Malice murder
- Felony murder
- Aggravated assault under the Family Violence Act
The investigation remains active as law enforcement agencies continue searching for Thurmond and urge the public not to approach him if spotted, but instead contact police immediately.
