UPDATE CONVICTION:

On August 30, 2024 Khalil Pugh entered a guilty plea in Thomas County Superior Court in reference to the March 15, 2023 homicide that occurred at Walmart.  Pugh was sentenced to life in prison.  The Thomasville Police Department expresses our sincere condolences to the family of the victim.  We would also like to thank all those witnesses that came forward to provide valuable information for the investigation and all the assisting agencies that responded to the scene.

ORIGIONAL POST FROM MARCH 15, 2023 Follows:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

On March 15, 2023 at approximately 11:44 am, the Thomasville Police Department (TPD), Georgia State Patrol (GSP), the Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT), Thomasville Fire Rescue, Thomas County Fire, and Thomas County Emergency Medical Services, responded to a critical incident involving a wreck where a vehicle crashed through the front doors of Wal-Mart, located at 15328 US19S.  One pedestrian was fatally injured and several other pedestrians were injured in the incident as well.  The two (2) occupants of the vehicle were also injured in the incident.  All of the injuries were treated on scene by Thomas County EMS or transported to the hospital for further treatment.

Due to developments since the incident took place, the investigation was upgraded to a homicide investigation.  The investigation has shown that Khalil Pugh was involved in a series of entering autos at a separate location just prior to travelling to Wal-Mart.  The investigation has also shown that Khalil Pugh intentionally crashed the vehicle through the Walmart doors, striking the pedestrian(s) in the process.  The Thomasville Police Department has assumed lead in the investigation and is continuing to work in conjunction with GSP-SCRT.  This case is an ongoing investigation with many leads being actively followed up on.  This case will then be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for further prosecution.

There are several citizens that are seen on video surveillance that have not been identified by investigators.  The Thomasville Police Department is asking all witnesses to this incident that have not been contacted by a detective, to call (229) 227-3302.

Khalil Pugh was arrested and charged with the following offenses:   

• Malice Murder
• Felony Murder
• Homicide by Vehicle
• (3 Counts) Aggravated Assault (with intent to murder)
• Criminal Damage to Property – 2^nd Degree
• Reckless Driving
• Driving under the influence
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Entering Automobile