Fatal Shooting at Family Dollar in Rome, Georgia: Police Search for Suspect Chancelor Lamar Crawford in Death of Chancellore Jabez Donaldson.

Fatal Shooting at Family Dollar in Rome, Georgia: Police Search for Suspect Chancelor Lamar Crawford in Death of Chancellore Jabez Donaldson

A Late-Night Tragedy on North Broad Street

The quiet early morning hours of Sunday, April 19, were shattered by the sound of gunfire outside a retail store in Rome, Georgia, leaving a 22-year-old man dead and triggering a multi-agency manhunt for an armed suspect. Authorities in the historic Floyd County seat are now pleading for the public’s help as they work tirelessly to apprehend a man they describe as armed and extremely dangerous.

At approximately 12:42 a.m., the Rome Police Department received a flurry of 911 calls reporting shots fired at a Family Dollar location along the 1300 block of North Broad Street NE. This commercial corridor, typically bustling during daylight hours, became the scene of a frantic emergency response as officers rushed to the location.

Upon arrival, first responders discovered a male victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The victim, later formally identified as 22-year-old Chancellore Jabez Donaldson, was lying outside the store’s entrance. Emergency medical personnel immediately rendered aid before transporting Donaldson to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite the swift efforts of doctors and trauma surgeons, Chancellore Jabez Donaldson ultimately succumbed to his injuries, marking the first homicide in Rome for the spring season.

The Investigation Unfolds

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the Rome Police Department cordoned off a large section of North Broad Street, diverting traffic and preserving the crime scene for hours. Crime scene investigators meticulously combed the pavement for shell casings, collected surveillance footage from the Family Dollar and neighboring businesses, and interviewed potential witnesses who had been in the area at the time of the incident.

Detectives worked through the remainder of the night and into Sunday morning, following multiple leads. Their efforts quickly zeroed in on a person of interest. By late Sunday afternoon, the investigation had culminated in the identification of a primary suspect.

The Rome Police Department announced that they have obtained arrest warrants for 25-year-old Chancelor Lamar Crawford. The warrant charges Crawford with felony murder in connection with the death of Chancellore Jabez Donaldson. Under Georgia law, felony murder is a charge that can be filed when a death occurs during the commission of a dangerous felony—in this case, the underlying incident involving a weapon—regardless of whether the suspect intended to kill. This charge carries severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment.

Suspect Description and Manhunt

Chancelor Lamar Crawford is described by law enforcement as a Black male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Authorities have not released a specific clothing description, as they believe Crawford may have changed his appearance since the early Sunday morning incident.

What has law enforcement particularly concerned is the official designation of Crawford as armed and dangerous. Investigators believe that Crawford is still in possession of the firearm used in the shooting, though they have not confirmed whether it is a handgun or another type of weapon.

“We believe that Mr. Crawford poses a significant threat to public safety,” a Rome Police Department spokesperson said in a press release. “We urge anyone who sees him not to approach him but to contact law enforcement immediately.”

Authorities have developed a geographical profile of where Crawford might be hiding. According to intelligence gathered through witness interviews and digital evidence, investigators believe Crawford may still be located in northwest Georgia, possibly within Floyd County or adjacent counties such as Bartow, Chattooga, or Polk. However, they have also warned that Crawford could have traveled south and may currently be within the metro Atlanta area, a sprawling region that includes Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties. The suspect is believed to have connections and acquaintances in both regions, which could provide him with places to hide.

The Victim: Chancellore Jabez Donaldson

As the manhunt intensifies, friends and family of Chancellore Jabez Donaldson are left grappling with an unimaginable loss. At just 22 years old, Donaldson had his entire life ahead of him. While the Rome Police Department has not released details about Donaldson’s occupation or immediate family pending full notification, social media tributes have begun pouring in from those who knew him.

Friends describe Donaldson as a charismatic young man with a warm smile who was known in his community for being helpful and kind. “He didn’t deserve this,” wrote one friend on Facebook. “He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Rest easy, Chance.”

The relationship between Donaldson and the suspect, Chancelor Lamar Crawford, remains unclear at this stage of the investigation. Detectives have not stated publicly whether the two men knew each other or whether the shooting stemmed from an altercation, a robbery attempt, or another motive. What is clear is that a dispute of some nature escalated rapidly in the parking lot of the Family Dollar store, leading to the fatal gunfire.

Community Reaction and Safety Concerns

The shooting has sent ripples of concern through the Rome community, particularly among residents and business owners along the North Broad Street corridor. While Rome is known for its historic charm, Berry College, and a generally low violent crime rate compared to larger Georgia cities, this incident has highlighted the reality that gun violence can strike anywhere.

A regular customer of the Family Dollar, who asked not to be named, told local reporters, “I shop here all the time, usually during the day. It’s scary to think that something like this happened right where I park my car. My heart goes out to that young man’s family.”

The Family Dollar store remained closed for several hours following the shooting as investigators processed the scene. The corporate office of Family Dollar has issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and stating that they are cooperating fully with the Rome Police Department’s investigation.

Legal Context: Felony Murder in Georgia

For readers unfamiliar with Georgia’s legal statutes, the charge of felony murder (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1) is distinct from malice murder. Under Georgia law, a person commits felony murder when they cause the death of another human being while committing a felony—such as aggravated assault, armed robbery, or burglary—even if the death was accidental or unintentional. In this case, the underlying felony is believed to involve the use of a deadly weapon.

This charge does not require prosecutors to prove that Chancelor Lamar Crawford intended to kill Chancellore Jabez Donaldson. It only requires proof that Crawford was involved in a dangerous felony during which a death occurred. If convicted, Crawford faces a minimum sentence of life in prison, with the possibility of parole only after serving 30 years, depending on the specific circumstances and any prior criminal history.

How the Public Can Help

The Rome Police Department is urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Chancelor Lamar Crawford to come forward immediately. Even the smallest detail—a sighting at a gas station, a strange vehicle parked in a neighborhood, or a social media post—could prove critical in locating the suspect before anyone else is harmed.

There are three primary ways citizens can provide information:

1. Call the Rome Police Department directly at 706-238-5111. This line is monitored 24 hours a day, and callers can speak directly with an investigator or dispatcher.
2. Call 911 in case of an emergency. If you believe you see Chancelor Lamar Crawford in your vicinity, do not hesitate. Do not approach him. Call 911 immediately and provide your location and a description of what you see.
3. Submit an anonymous tip at 706-236-5000. This anonymous tip line allows individuals to share information without revealing their identity. This option is ideal for those who may have information but fear retaliation or simply wish to remain anonymous.

Authorities have emphasized that tips can remain completely confidential. “We just need the public’s eyes and ears,” a detective stated. “Someone knows where he is. Someone saw him after the shooting. That one phone call could bring justice for Chancellore Donaldson and ensure the safety of our community.”

Ongoing Efforts and Future Developments

As of the latest update from the Rome Police Department, Chancelor Lamar Crawford remains at large. The U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force has been notified and is assisting in the search. Additionally, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has offered forensic support as needed.

Roadblocks and increased patrols have been reported in parts of northwest Georgia, though law enforcement has not confirmed specific checkpoints. Investigators are also monitoring bus stations, train depots, and ride-share services to ensure Crawford does not flee the state.

The Rome Police Department has scheduled a press conference for later this week, provided there are significant developments. They have also asked local media outlets to continue broadcasting Crawford’s photo and description, hoping that public vigilance will lead to a swift and peaceful resolution.

A Community in Mourning

For the family of Chancellore Jabez Donaldson, the coming days will be filled with funeral arrangements and the painful process of saying goodbye. A GoFundMe page created by relatives to assist with funeral expenses had already raised thousands of dollars within 24 hours of the shooting, demonstrating the community’s compassion in the face of tragedy.

“Chancellore was taken from us far too soon,” the page reads. “He had dreams, he had people who loved him, and he did not deserve to die on a cold pavement outside a store. Please help us lay him to rest and pray for the safe capture of the person responsible.”

Final Call to Action

As the sun sets on another day in Rome, Georgia, the search for Chancelor Lamar Crawford continues without rest. Police officers who worked through the night on Sunday are still on duty, following every lead, reviewing every frame of surveillance footage, and knocking on every door that might yield information.

The message from law enforcement is clear and urgent: This suspect is armed and dangerous. Do not take any risks. But do not remain silent. If you know where Chancelor Lamar Crawford is hiding, or if you saw anything related to the fatal shooting of Chancellore Jabez Donaldson outside the Family Dollar on North Broad Street NE in the early morning of April 19, make the call.

Rome Police Department: 706-238-5111
Anonymous Tip Line: 706-236-5000
Emergency: 911

Justice for Chancellore Jabez Donaldson depends on it. And the safety of northwest Georgia and metro Atlanta depends on getting a dangerous fugitive off the streets.