Grovetown, Georgia — A peaceful night in Columbia County became a scene of sorrow after a young dad was discovered with fatal stab wounds outside a facility for learning where he was pursuing his education to improve his prospects.

 Grovetown, Georgia — A peaceful night in Columbia County turned sorrowful when a young father was discovered fatally wounded outside an educational facility where he was pursuing his studies for a better future. The alarming event, occurring late on October 13, has left the Grovetown community in shock and trying to find answers.

Officials confirmed that deputies were sent to Helms College in Augusta just after 11 p.m., in response to reports of an injured individual lying near the parking lot. The individual, recognized as Martin Louis Gordon, 30, was found unconscious and exsanguinating from at least one stab wound. Despite receiving immediate medical care, he was declared dead at 11:35 p.m.

Investigators suspect that Gordon had recently completed an evening HVAC class and was heading towards his car when the incident transpired. His younger sibling, who was waiting for him close by, reportedly discovered him lying on the ground outside the building. Witnesses informed deputies that the vicinity was notably quiet, with no obvious signs of a struggle or robbery.

Law enforcement promptly secured the area and began searching for potential evidence or surveillance images. The assailant has not been identified but is characterized as armed and a threat. Authorities have called upon anyone who may possess information to step forward, stressing that even minor details could significantly impact the investigation.

Earlier this year, Gordon moved to Grovetown with the hope of providing his two young children with a stable upbringing and better opportunities. Friends and teaching staff at Helms College described him as soft-spoken, committed, and extremely trustworthy — a student who was consistently present and often stayed afterwards to refine his abilities.

The news of his passing has left classmates and faculty members heartbroken, as they remember him as someone driven to succeed and support his family. “He was always cheerful, always putting in effort,” recalled a fellow student. “It’s difficult to comprehend that something so brutal could occur to such a gentle person.”

In response to the incident, Helms College has heightened its campus security measures and announced that counselors for grief support are available for both students and staff. The administration also released a condolence statement for Gordon’s family, highlighting that his commitment and hard work made a significant impression on the school community.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the lethal stabbing, working to reconstruct Gordon’s last moments with the aid of security footage, witness testimonies, and forensic data. Detectives are also examining whether the suspect had any prior acquaintance with the victim or if the attack was an act of random aggression.