In Milledgeville, Georgia, a quiet Saturday evening turned deadly at the Buffalo Wild Wings in the Milledgeville Mall shopping center on North Columbia Street. On August 23, 2025, a heated dispute between coworkers escalated into a fatal shooting, claiming the life of 25-year-old Nytavious Stone, the restaurant’s manager, and leaving a community in shock.
The incident unfolded around 6 p.m., as the bustling restaurant, known for its lively atmosphere and signature wings, became the scene of a violent confrontation. Milledgeville Police received a call about a physical altercation at the popular eatery, but before officers could arrive, the situation took a tragic turn. The call was upgraded to a shooting, sending law enforcement and emergency responders racing to the scene.
When police arrived, they found Nytavious Stone in the employee parking lot, his body riddled with multiple gunshot wounds. Milledgeville Fire Rescue and Atrium Health EMS worked frantically to save him, rushing the young manager to Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin. Despite their efforts, Stone succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 6:34 p.m., leaving behind a void in the lives of those who knew him.
Investigators quickly pieced together the chilling sequence of events. What began as a verbal disagreement between Stone and a fellow employee spiraled into a physical fight. The situation grew even more volatile when the employee’s brother arrived at the scene, and during the ensuing confrontation, gunshots shattered the evening calm. Authorities have yet to confirm who pulled the trigger, as the investigation remains active and ongoing.
In the aftermath, two men—the employee involved in the initial altercation and another individual, believed to be the employee’s brother—were detained just around the corner from the restaurant. Their identities remain undisclosed as police continue to unravel the circumstances that led to this senseless act of violence. Major Linc Boyer of the Milledgeville Police Department emphasized that the incident appears to be isolated, with no ongoing threat to the public, but the motive behind the deadly dispute remains unclear.
The Milledgeville Mall shopping center, typically a hub of community activity with its array of restaurants and businesses, was left reeling. Patrons in the area witnessed the chaos, with some taking to social media to express their disbelief and sorrow. “The fighting and shooting at Buffalo Wild Wings happened 15 minutes after I left,” one resident wrote, shaken by the close call. Another mourned, “A man has been unalived at Buffalo WW. Come on, Milledgeville. We been chilling. What is going on?”
Milledgeville, a city celebrated for its antebellum architecture and Southern charm, is no stranger to community pride, home to Georgia College & State University and the historic Central State Hospital. Yet, this tragedy has cast a shadow over the town, prompting calls for answers and justice. The Milledgeville Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward, offering contact options through their direct line at 478-414-4000 or Macon Regional Crimestoppers.
As the investigation continues, the loss of Nytavious Stone—a young man who led his team at Buffalo Wild Wings with dedication—has left a profound impact. The community now grapples with grief, seeking closure in the wake of a night that turned a place of camaraderie and celebration into a scene of heartbreak.
