Chance Donaldson (TrenxhLiving), 22, Killed in Shooting at Family Dollar on N. Broad St. NE in Rome, GA; Police Seek Witnesses, Crime Tip Line Open.

Late-Night Gunfire at Family Dollar Leaves Young Man Dead: The Killing of Chance Donaldson

ROME, Ga. – A quiet late-night hour turned violent in Rome, Georgia, when gunshots erupted outside or near the Family Dollar store at 1417 N. Broad St. NE, leaving a 22-year-old man dead. The victim has been identified as Chance Donaldson, also known by his alias “TrenxhLiving.” The shooting, which occurred at approximately 12:42 a.m. on a recent night, has prompted an intensive investigation by the Rome Police Department, with authorities urging witnesses to come forward as the community reels from the loss of a young life.

According to the Rome Police Department, dispatchers with E-911 began receiving multiple reports of gunfire shortly before 1:00 a.m. The calls described a chaotic scene—people running, cars speeding away, and at least one person down. Officers were dispatched immediately to the Family Dollar location on North Broad Street, a commercial strip that sees significant traffic during the day but is largely quiet in the early morning hours.

Upon arrival, police found Chance Donaldson suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The severity of his injuries was immediately apparent. Emergency medical responders from Floyd County EMS arrived quickly and provided advanced life support before rushing him to a nearby hospital. Despite aggressive efforts to stabilize him—including fluid resuscitation, airway management, and chest compressions as needed—Donaldson was pronounced deceased by hospital staff a short time later. The official cause of death was listed as a gunshot wound, pending final autopsy results from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Medical Examiner’s Office.

The Scene: A Familiar Retail Location Transformed by Violence

The Family Dollar at 1417 N. Broad St. NE is a typical discount store serving the North Rome community. It sits along a busy corridor lined with other businesses, fast-food restaurants, and gas stations. By day, the parking lot is filled with shoppers picking up household essentials, snacks, and personal care items. But at 12:42 a.m., the store was closed. The shooting is believed to have occurred in the parking lot or immediately outside the building, though police have not specified whether the incident began inside or after hours.

Crime scene investigators spent hours at the location, marking evidence with yellow numbered cones, photographing the pavement, and collecting shell casings. Yellow police tape cordoned off a large section of the parking lot, and officers stood guard as the sun rose. A single police cruiser remained on scene well into the next morning.

Neighbors and early-morning passersby expressed shock. “I’ve lived here for years and never heard gunshots like that,” said a resident who lives a block away. “It sounded like fireworks, but then I saw the police lights and knew it wasn’t. It’s scary to think something like this happened so close to home.”

The Victim: Chance Donaldson, Known as “TrenxhLiving”

For those who knew him, Chance Donaldson was far more than a name in a police report or a social media alias. At 22 years old, he was a young man navigating the complexities of early adulthood. Friends describe him as charismatic, loyal, and deeply connected to his community. His alias, “TrenxhLiving,” reflected his presence in local music or social circles—though details about his occupation and interests have not been publicly released by family.

“Chance was always the life of the party,” said a close friend who spoke on condition of anonymity. “He had a big heart and an even bigger laugh. He would do anything for his people. This doesn’t feel real. He was only 22—he had his whole life ahead of him.”

Family members have not yet released an official statement, but social media tributes have poured in. Many use his alias “TrenxhLiving” alongside heartfelt messages: “Rest easy, Trenxh. You’ll never be forgotten.” “Can’t believe you’re gone.” “Who did this? Y’all need to speak up.”

The use of an alias in the police report suggests that Chance may have been known by that name in certain circles—possibly in music, online content creation, or street culture. Authorities have not indicated whether the alias is connected to any gang affiliation or criminal activity; it is common for young people to adopt nicknames that reflect their personality or artistic brand.

The Investigation: Evidence, Leads, and a Call for Witnesses

The Rome Police Department has assigned multiple detectives to the case. Investigators have collected physical evidence from the scene, including shell casings, possible DNA or fingerprint samples, and any surveillance footage from the Family Dollar or nearby businesses. The store itself may have exterior security cameras, and neighboring establishments—including a gas station and a fast-food restaurant—could have captured vehicles or individuals fleeing the area.

Police have confirmed that several people were in the area at the time of the shooting. This is a critical detail: late-night incidents often have witnesses who may not have come forward due to fear, distrust of law enforcement, or simply not realizing the significance of what they saw. Authorities are urging anyone who was present—whether they saw the shooting itself, heard the gunfire, saw people running, or noticed suspicious vehicles—to contact police.

“Even the smallest piece of information could be the key to solving this case,” a Rome Police Department spokesperson said during a brief press conference. “We are asking the community to step up. If you saw something, say something. You can remain anonymous.”

The department has established a dedicated Crime Tip Line at 706–236–5000. Callers do not have to provide their names. Alternatively, tips can be submitted to 911 or through the department’s online portal. Authorities have also indicated that they are reviewing cell phone videos and photos that may have been taken at the scene—a common occurrence in the age of smartphones.

The Challenge of Witness Cooperation

One of the most significant hurdles in solving urban shootings is witness reluctance. Fear of retaliation, distrust of police, or a “no snitching” culture can prevent people from coming forward, even when they hold crucial information. Rome, while smaller than Atlanta or Savannah, has seen its share of violent crime, and police are keenly aware of the need to build trust with the community.

“We understand that people are afraid,” the spokesperson added. “But we also know that Chance Donaldson’s family deserves justice. Someone out there knows who pulled the trigger. Someone out there saw something. We need that person to make the call.”

In addition to the tip line, the Rome Police Department has assigned a victim advocate to work with Chance’s family, helping them navigate the aftermath of the homicide and providing referrals for grief counseling and financial assistance.

A Broader Context: Gun Violence in Rome and Northwest Georgia

Rome, the largest city in Floyd County, has a population of approximately 37,000. Like many mid-sized American cities, it has experienced fluctuations in violent crime. According to data from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Floyd County saw a slight increase in aggravated assaults and shootings in recent years, though the overall homicide rate remains lower than that of major metropolitan areas like Atlanta or Savannah.

Still, every homicide sends shockwaves through the community. The shooting at a Family Dollar—a place associated with everyday errands, not violence—has left many residents feeling uneasy. Some have taken to social media to express frustration: “Another young man gone. When is it going to stop?” “Prayers for Chance’s family. This is heartbreaking.”

Local community leaders have begun to organize. Pastors, nonprofit directors, and city council members are calling for a community meeting to address gun violence and to encourage witness cooperation. Some are advocating for increased police presence in the North Broad Street corridor, while others emphasize the need for youth intervention programs, mental health services, and economic opportunities that address root causes of crime.

Remembering Chance Donaldson: More Than a Statistic

For those who loved Chance Donaldson, the past few days have been a blur of grief, anger, and disbelief. Friends have gathered at the Family Dollar parking lot, laying flowers and lighting candles at a makeshift memorial. Some have written messages on poster board: “RIP Trenxh,” “We love you,” “Justice for Chance.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been established by friends to help cover funeral expenses and to support Chance’s family. The campaign description reads: “Chance was taken from us too soon by senseless violence. He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a bright light in our lives. Any donation, no matter how small, will help his family give him the memorial he deserves.”

As of this writing, the campaign had raised several thousand dollars, with donations coming from across the Rome area and beyond.

What We Know, What We Don’t Know, and What Comes Next

As the investigation continues, several key questions remain unanswered:

· Was Chance Donaldson the intended target? Police have not said whether the shooter specifically targeted him or whether he was an innocent bystander.
· How many shooters were involved? The number of shell casings and witness statements may help determine whether a single person fired or multiple.
· Was this incident related to a robbery, dispute, or something else? The timing—just after midnight at a closed retail store—suggests the shooting may have stemmed from a pre-existing conflict or a planned meeting that turned deadly. However, authorities have not released a motive.
· Are there suspects? Police have not announced any arrests or named any persons of interest. The fact that they are asking for witnesses suggests they have leads but need corroboration.

In the coming days and weeks, detectives will continue to analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and follow up on tips. If and when a suspect is identified, charges could include murder (felony murder or malice murder under Georgia law), aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Georgia has relatively strict gun laws compared to some states, but also has a “stand your ground” self-defense statute. No such defense has been suggested in this case.

How the Public Can Help

The Rome Police Department has made it clear that public cooperation is essential. Anyone with information—no matter how minor it may seem—is urged to call the Crime Tip Line at 706–236–5000. Tips can be left anonymously. Alternatively, witnesses can contact the Rome Police Department directly at (706) 238-5111.

For those who wish to support Chance Donaldson’s family, the verified GoFundMe page can be found through local community social media groups. Additionally, the family has requested prayers and privacy as they prepare funeral arrangements.

A Final Word: A Life Cut Short, A Call for Justice

Chance Donaldson was only 22 years old. He had decades of life ahead of him—decades of love, laughter, growth, and possibility. All of that was stolen in a hail of gunfire outside a Family Dollar store in the middle of the night. His nickname, “TrenxhLiving,” now takes on a haunting poignancy: a young man who was living his life, however briefly, and who deserved to keep living it.

The Rome community has a choice. It can look away, or it can come together to demand justice and to work toward a future where no other family receives the phone call that Chance’s family received. The police can only do so much; they need witnesses to speak. They need neighbors to care.

As the sun sets on North Broad Street, the makeshift memorial grows. Candles flicker. Flowers wilt in the Georgia heat. And Chance Donaldson’s family clings to memories, hoping that someone, somewhere, will do the right thing.

May Chance Donaldson—Chance “TrenxhLiving” Donaldson—rest in peace. And may his loved ones find strength, comfort, and eventually healing in the difficult days ahead.