Former Ft. Stewart soldier indicted on charges relating to wife’s killing in June

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The former Fort Stewart soldier accused of killing his wife inside their Chatham County apartment this summer has been indicted by a grand jury.

23-year-old Tahj Hemphill was indicted this week on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, family violence, and gun charges.

The indictment alleges he stabbed and shot his wife, 23-year-old Denise Williams, killing her.

June 30th, Williams was found dead inside their shared apartment at Fords Point Circle.

Previous testimony in court revealed 40 different stab wounds to her body and 3 gunshot wounds, and that she was alive for her injuries.

See previous coverage: www.wtoc.com/2026/07/23/detective-details-case-against-man-accused-killing-his-fort-stewart-soldier-wife/

Our previous coverage from court reveals, “With the assistance of the fire department, forced entry was made that day. When officers entered, Hemphill was coming out of the back of the apartment where the bedrooms are located. He ultimately made a statement that he had shot her.”

Hemphill was taken to a police annex and interviewed. He said he believed he had drank tainted coffee at work that morning.

He said when he got home, his wife did not speak to him, but he also said she was saying unusual things. He said they got into a physical altercation, and that he then left the apartment.

When the detective attempted to ask clarifying questions, Hemphill invoked his right to an attorney and the interview ended.

The detective testified that when he spoke with Hemphill, that he appeared oriented and responsive and did not appear to be under the influence of any substances.

Ex-husband connection

During a search of the apartment, investigators found a marriage certificate showing Hemphill had a prior marriage to a man in the Army.

The ex-husband of Hemphill reportedly told investigators he had communicated with the victim, Williams, earlier in the morning the day she died, because she was unable to reach Hemphill.

The victim contacted the ex to try to find her husband when he was in Jacksonville.

This ex said there were also communications between himself and Hemphill, and that he reported those communications back to Williams and sent those to her.

“He confirmed that they were married when Mr. Hemphill was still in the Army,” the detective said in court. “They had subsequently gotten divorced in Liberty County. He had communicated with the victim in this case earlier in the morning because she was not able to find or speak with Mr. Hemphill. She had contacted Manuel to try and find him. There were communications between Mr. Hemphill and Manuel. He reported that back to the victim.”

Investigators found no prior domestic violence incidents on record between the couple.

For the next hearing in court, he will plead guilty or not guilty in front of a judge.