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Family Seeks Justice in Traffic Death as Augusta Man is Laid to Rest

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Family and friends of an elderly Augusta man killed in a head-on crash will bury him on Wednesday, even as they seek justice for the driver who killed him.

Eugene Hester Sr., 82, was killed Dec. 8 on the interstate in Columbia County. Authorities say Brittany Hodges of Thomson crossed the median from the opposite side and struck his vehicle head-on, according to a sheriff’s report.

The 32-year-old woman was traveling west in a crossover SUV while Hester was driving east on I-20 near mile marker 194.5. For unknown reasons, Hodges left the road, hit a median barrier cable, crossed over two eastbound lanes of travel and struck Hester’s truck in the front as he was traveling the outside through-lane, a sheriff’s report says. He died from his injuries.

A Columbia County sheriff’s report says Hodges was found at fault in the collision, but she has not been charged. A report says she was transported to Doctors Hospital for treatment.

A family friend said they had not received any answers from law enforcement, even as they prepare to bury him.

“This person took the life of a healthy, elderly man!” the friend said Tuesday in a message to this reporter. “He was still very active! I don’t understand why (the driver) has not been arrested, charged or mentioned.”

On Tuesday, sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said they are awaiting blood results before moving forward with any charges.

The fatality was not covered on the news or mentioned in any press release. But Hester was remembered online as a beloved deacon and family man.

“We will miss him but not forget him, the dedication, dignity and honesty he exhibited as the delegate and representative of the Crawford Grove Baptist Church,” Lester Pollard wrote on Facebook.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at B. A. Williams Memorial Chapel with interment at Crawford Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. He is survived by his children, Alfreda Hester, Eugene Hester Jr., Angela Hester; dear & special friend, Mary S. Wingfield; sisters, Nerisa Burnett, Jackie Hickman; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

The post Family Seeks Justice in Traffic Death as Augusta Man is Laid to Rest appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.


North Augusta Woman Dies from Injuries in Saturday Collision

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A North Augusta woman died Tuesday from injuries suffered in a weekend accident in Aiken, authorities said.

Khadijah Jackson, 28, was pronounced dead Tuesday at WellStar MCG Health, according to a press release from Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables.

The accident happened around 1 a.m. Saturday on Wagener Road at East Pine Log Road in Aiken. Jackson was a passenger in a 2019 Dodge Challenger that was traveling south on Pine Log Road when it collided with a 2002 Nissan sedan that was traveling east on Wagener Road.

“The Coroner’s Office along with South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing with the investigation,” Ables said.

Jackson will be autopsied in Newberry, the coroner said. The S.C. Highway Patrol has not indicated who was at fault in the collision.

Jackson was being remembered on social media as a friendly person who always made others smile.

Lisa Lee said, “This holiday season won’t be the same!!!! The world lost one of the purest, sweetest souls ever today, no one can ever replace her! You’re finally with your mom though, you always talked about her and i know you really missed her. Rest easy angel.”

The post North Augusta Woman Dies from Injuries in Saturday Collision appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Augusta Mom Charged After Her 10-Year-Old Son Shoots His Brother

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A 10-year-old Augusta boy shot his older brother in the chest while playing with a gun Wednesday afternoon, resulting in charges against the mother. Sharise Nicole Sims, 34, was jailed Wednesday for two counts of cruelty to children in the second degree, even as her 13-year-old son was undergoing surgery at Augusta University Medical Center, authorities said. The incident happened just after noon Wednesday at the family’s residence at Norris Place Apartments on Murphy Street in Augusta. Authorities say Sims had left a 9mm Taurus pistol in her purse, even though her 10-year-old son had been caught playing with it before. The mother left the living room, and the younger son reportedly retrieved the pistol and shot his older brother in the chest. The 13-year-old boy suffered a collapsed lung and required a chest tube to be inserted. On Wednesday afternoon, he was taken for surgery in the operating room, authorities said. The shooting comes just a month after a 4-year-old Augusta boy died from injuries suffered when he accidentally shot himself in the head with an unsecured gun, leading to charges against his mother and older brother. That incident also happened at Norris Place Apartments on the same block at this week’s shooting.
Norris Place Apartments
Zykee Ryans died Nov. 25. He had found a gun laying around a residence packed with children on the evening of Nov. 12 inside the apartment on Murphy Road, authorities said. The teen who left the unsecured gun lying around the residence, 19-year-old Ladarion Ryans, was also jailed. Both he and his mother, 35-year-old Brittany Senita Ryans, are charged with murder in the second degree and child cruelty.

The post Augusta Mom Charged After Her 10-Year-Old Son Shoots His Brother appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Booze Bandits Wanted for $2,000 Theft from Augusta Liquor Store

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Three suspects are being sought for questioning in the recent theft of $2,000 worth of alcohol from White Horse Wine and Spirits in Augusta.

The men loaded up with booze on Dec. 8, used a credit card and then refuted the charges in a bogus fraud claim, according to a sheriff’s report.

Then, the geniuses returned to the Highland Avenue store the same day and attempted to purchase more alcohol. The business said their staff got a tag number to the black 2022 Hyundai Genesis they were driving. (GA # tag SCM4699).

On Friday, authorities sent out a wanted flyer with pictures of the suspects. They are wanted for questioning in the case for theft by deception.

Any information concerning these subjects should be sent to Sgt. Tom Johnson (706)-821-1795, or any On-Duty Investigator with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (706)-821-1020 or (706)-821-1080.

The post Booze Bandits Wanted for $2,000 Theft from Augusta Liquor Store appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

North Augusta Woman Dies After Crashing Into Logging Truck

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A North Augusta woman was identified as the driver killed Wednesday night after running into the back of a logging truck in Augusta.

Rebecca “Becky” Williams, 65, of North Augusta, was pronounced dead at 7:19 p.m. Wednesday. Authorities say her small vehicle ran into the rear of an 18-wheeler log truck that was stopped at the traffic light at Gordon Highway and Tubman Home Road.

Williams was being remembered online as a “sweet friend.” She was a huge Atlanta Falcons fan. Sadly, Williams lost her son earlier this year and had been mourning him in Facebook posts.

In unrelated traffic deaths, Coroner Mark Bowen has released the names of people killed in other recent fatalities.

William Powell, 29, of Waterfront Drive, Augusta, was the bicyclist who was struck by a vehicle Dec. 14 that was traveling westbound on Gordon Highway just east of Jimmy Dyess.

Timothy Peterson, 63, of Bertram Road, Augusta, was killed Dec. 14 after leaving the roadway on I-520 westbound Ramp to Wheeler Road. He struck a pole and died.

(Note: If you have photos of Powell or Peterson to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.)

The post North Augusta Woman Dies After Crashing Into Logging Truck appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

ACSO Charges Jamilla Smith’s Ex-Boyfriend with Murder

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Aiken County authorities have charged Jamilla Smith’s ex-boyfriend with her murder while they continue searching for her.

Saturday’s announcement of a new charge against Daniel Harmon comes as investigators revealed new details on the day she went missing. They also spelled out why they presume she was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend, including blood found in his rented vehicle.

Harmon was taken into custody Dec. 5 for domestic violence and Smith’s family have not heard from her since reporting her missing. Later, in the missing person investigation, investigators obtained an arrested warrant charging Harmon with kidnapping her.

Authorities say Harmon likely killed the victim on the evening of Dec. 2 in the area of 425 Old Jackson Highway in the Jackson area. Smith called 911, stating her ex-boyfriend broke into her house and was chasing her down the road. On the 911 call, Smith sounded out of breath.

“When the dispatcher asks her where she will meet the deputy, a car engine can be heard revving before Jamilla is heard screaming and the phone appears to drop,” authorities said in a murder affidavit. “A male voice is heard telling Jamilla to get into the car and he will take her to the emergency room. Jamilla continues to scream and can be heard yelling no, don’t touch me, don’t hurt me please, and you hit me.”

The report continues, “The male is heard saying you jumped in front of the car before Jamilla says no I didn’t. Jamilla says leave me alone, it hurts and I can’t. Jamilla continues to scream no, I can’t my arm, and you ran over me. A horn can be heard and a dog barking.”

The next day, Tina McCraw, Jamilla’s mother, reported her missing. When police located Harmon in North Augusta, his rented Dodge Charger was seized. During the search, suspected blood was located in the spare tire area of the trunk. Swabs were taken from the vehicle and sent to state lab and known samples of Smiths.

“Search warrants were obtained for Jamilla Smith’s cell phone and the results show no activity since December 2,” the report says.

Authorities say they believe Harmon killed her, especially since her family has not heard from her in weeks.

“This is not consistent with Jamilla Smith’s known behavior. Tina McCraw, Jamilla Smith’s mother, speaks with her daughter several times a day. Jamilla Smith has not reached out to either of her two children, her father Jame Smith, nor any of her siblings. Jamilla Smith has had no cell phone activity since December 2,” the report says.

Also, Harmon was found to have hit Jamilla Smith with a vehicle and did not transport her to the hospital.

If anyone has any information on this investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at 803-648-6811. Tipsters can also send a message about this case by going to www.aikencountysheriff.net .

The post ACSO Charges Jamilla Smith’s Ex-Boyfriend with Murder appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Aiken Man Fatally Shot on Christmas Eve

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Aiken County authorities are investigating a Christmas Eve murder that took the life of an Aiken man.

Rondre J. Gomillion, 29, was fatally shot around 11 a.m. Sunday at 161 Squire Street in Aiken, Coroner Darryl Ables said. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

The victim was found in the front yard on Squire Street and appeared to have an apparent gunshot wound to his chest.

“A witness told deputies that the victim and the gunman got into an argument outside the home when shots rang out,” sheriff’s Capt. Eric Abdullah said. “The gunman drove away in a dark blue Chevy Suburban or Trailblazer. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5’11 tall and 160 lbs. and possibly goes by the name of Tony.”

It was also reported that “Tony” has ties to Florence, S.C., authorities said. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office is assisting with this investigation. If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 648-6811. Tipsters can also provide information by sending a message on our website at www.aikencountysheriff.net .

The post Aiken Man Fatally Shot on Christmas Eve appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Augusta Man Fatally Shot on Christmas Eve Night

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An Augusta man was shot to death just before midnight on Christmas Eve.

Steven Luke, 36, was shot around 11:41 p.m. Sunday on the 2300 block of Boykin Road, the street where he lives. He was reportedly shot in the back yard of his home.

Luke was shot at least one time and was rushed to Wellstar MCG, where he was pronounced dead an hour later, according to Coroner Mark Bowen.  An autopsy has been scheduled.

A LinkedIn page for the victim says he had been working as an associate at Amick Farms and was skilled in Sustainable Livestock Production.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has not released any details on the killing, possible suspects or a motive.

(Note: If you have a better photo of Steven or a memory to share, please text it to 803-487-3224)

The post Augusta Man Fatally Shot on Christmas Eve Night appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.


Jackson Man Killed on Christmas, Aiken County’s Second Homicide of the Holidays

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A Christmas Day shooting had taken the life of a Jackson man, giving Aiken County its second homicide of the holiday season.

Willie Trotty, 37, was shot at a residence on the 200 block of Plantation Road around 5:30 p.m. Monday, according to Coroner Darryl Ables. He was pronounced dead from multiple gunshot wounds and will be autopsied in Newberry.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has not released any possible suspects or motive in Trotty’s killing.

The homicide comes just a day after Rondre J. Gomillion, 29, of Aiken, was fatally shot at 161 Squire Street in Aiken. That victim was found Sunday in the front yard on Squire Street and appeared to have an apparent gunshot wound to his chest.

“A witness told deputies that the victim and the gunman got into an argument outside the home when shots rang out,” sheriff’s Capt. Eric Abdullah said. “The gunman drove away in a dark blue Chevy Suburban or Trailblazer. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5’11 tall and 160 lbs. and possibly goes by the name of Tony.”

It was also reported that “Tony” has ties to Florence, S.C., authorities said. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office is assisting with this investigation. If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 648-6811. Tipsters can also provide information by sending a message on our website at www.aikencountysheriff.net .

(Note: If you have a better photo of Willie Trotty, please text it to 803-487-3224)

The post Jackson Man Killed on Christmas, Aiken County’s Second Homicide of the Holidays appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Jackson Man Facing Manslaughter Charge in Christmas Day Death

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A Jackson man was locked up for voluntary manslaughter in the Christmas Day killing of another man following an argument.

Jean Pierre Washington, 26, allegedly shot 37-year-old Willie Trotty at a residence at 215 Plantation Road in Jackson. Trotty was pronounced dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

“This incident stems from an argument between the victim and Washington,” sheriff’s Capt. Eric Abdullah said in a press release. “Washington was taken to the Aiken County Detention Center where he is expected to be charged with Manslaughter and Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office is assisting with this investigation.”

Court records show that Washington lives on Goodman Road in Jackson, just around the corner from where the shooting occurred.

If anyone has any information on this investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at 803-648-6811. Tipsters can also visit www.aikencountysheriff.net where they can send in information on this investigation.

The post Jackson Man Facing Manslaughter Charge in Christmas Day Death appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Augusta Pedestrian Hit & Killed by Vehicle on Christmas Night

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The Coroner’s Office is investigating a pedestrian death that occurred on Meadowbrook Drive and Bullock Avenue, adding to a long list of such incidents in Richmond County.

Seanque L. Hester 43, of the 3400 block of Sharon Road, Augusta, was struck Monday night by a vehicle on Meadwbrook Drive. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 10:55 p.m., Coroner Mark Bowen said. An autopsy has been scheduled.

The sheriff’s office has not released any information on the driver or possible charges in the death.

The county has recorded at least 20 pedestrian deaths this year.

(Note: If you have a better photo of Seanque to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.)

The post Augusta Pedestrian Hit & Killed by Vehicle on Christmas Night appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Mom Faces Homicide Charge in Death of North Augusta Baby

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A North Augusta woman has been charged following the brutal death of her newborn child, who died in October, before she was two months old.

Jordan Fowler, 21, was charged Dec. 14 with unlawful neglect of child. An arrest warrant says she placed baby Charlotte Fowler at unreasonable risk or harm or actually caused the harm by “forcibly squeezing and shaking the child.”

“The child suffered multiple right rib fractures and other injuries which were identified during an autopsy as being in various stages of healing,” the warrant says. “(Fowler) had custody and/or charge of the minor child at the times these injuries occurred and (is) believed to have caused these injuries.”

Around 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 15, deputies responded to the suspect’s home at 5 Rita Court for a dead body, a report says. That is where the child’s great-grandmother was performing CPR on the baby, but officers observed the child to be cold to the touch and deceased.

Fowler told deputies that she checked on her daughter at 9 a.m. while Charlotte was in her crib sleeping. The mother then went to sleep as well on the bed beside the crib. She said she woke up at 1 p.m. and checked on the baby again and she was unresponsive. She then called her grandmother and then 911.

Coroner Darryl Ables said the death is being investigated as a homicide. On Tuesday, he sent out a press release, saying preliminary investigation has determined Charlotte’s death to be a homicide, but the final cause of her death is still under investigation.

The child was laid to rest on Oct. 21.  Fowler is being held without bond at the Aiken County Detention Center.

The post Mom Faces Homicide Charge in Death of North Augusta Baby appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Augusta Mom Charged After Her 10-Year-Old Son Shoots His Brother

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A 10-year-old Augusta boy shot his older brother in the chest while playing with a gun Wednesday afternoon, resulting in charges against the mother. Sharise Nicole Sims, 34, was jailed Wednesday for two counts of cruelty to children in the second degree, even as her 13-year-old son was undergoing surgery at Augusta University Medical Center, authorities said. The incident happened just after noon Wednesday at the family’s residence at Norris Place Apartments on Murphy Street in Augusta. Authorities say Sims had left a 9mm Taurus pistol in her purse, even though her 10-year-old son had been caught playing with it before. The mother left the living room, and the younger son reportedly retrieved the pistol and shot his older brother in the chest. The 13-year-old boy suffered a collapsed lung and required a chest tube to be inserted. On Wednesday afternoon, he was taken for surgery in the operating room, authorities said. The shooting comes just a month after a 4-year-old Augusta boy died from injuries suffered when he accidentally shot himself in the head with an unsecured gun, leading to charges against his mother and older brother. That incident also happened at Norris Place Apartments on the same block at this week’s shooting.
Norris Place Apartments
Zykee Ryans died Nov. 25. He had found a gun laying around a residence packed with children on the evening of Nov. 12 inside the apartment on Murphy Road, authorities said. The teen who left the unsecured gun lying around the residence, 19-year-old Ladarion Ryans, was also jailed. Both he and his mother, 35-year-old Brittany Senita Ryans, are charged with murder in the second degree and child cruelty.

The post Augusta Mom Charged After Her 10-Year-Old Son Shoots His Brother appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Booze Bandits Wanted for $2,000 Theft from Augusta Liquor Store

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Three suspects are being sought for questioning in the recent theft of $2,000 worth of alcohol from White Horse Wine and Spirits in Augusta.

The men loaded up with booze on Dec. 8, used a credit card and then refuted the charges in a bogus fraud claim, according to a sheriff’s report.

Then, the geniuses returned to the Highland Avenue store the same day and attempted to purchase more alcohol. The business said their staff got a tag number to the black 2022 Hyundai Genesis they were driving. (GA # tag SCM4699).

On Friday, authorities sent out a wanted flyer with pictures of the suspects. They are wanted for questioning in the case for theft by deception.

Any information concerning these subjects should be sent to Sgt. Tom Johnson (706)-821-1795, or any On-Duty Investigator with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (706)-821-1020 or (706)-821-1080.

The post Booze Bandits Wanted for $2,000 Theft from Augusta Liquor Store appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

North Augusta Woman Dies After Crashing Into Logging Truck

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A North Augusta woman was identified as the driver killed Wednesday night after running into the back of a logging truck in Augusta.

Rebecca “Becky” Williams, 65, of North Augusta, was pronounced dead at 7:19 p.m. Wednesday. Authorities say her small vehicle ran into the rear of an 18-wheeler log truck that was stopped at the traffic light at Gordon Highway and Tubman Home Road.

Williams was being remembered online as a “sweet friend.” She was a huge Atlanta Falcons fan. Sadly, Williams lost her son earlier this year and had been mourning him in Facebook posts.

In unrelated traffic deaths, Coroner Mark Bowen has released the names of people killed in other recent fatalities.

William Powell, 29, of Waterfront Drive, Augusta, was the bicyclist who was struck by a vehicle Dec. 14 that was traveling westbound on Gordon Highway just east of Jimmy Dyess.

Timothy Peterson, 63, of Bertram Road, Augusta, was killed Dec. 14 after leaving the roadway on I-520 westbound Ramp to Wheeler Road. He struck a pole and died.

(Note: If you have photos of Powell or Peterson to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.)

The post North Augusta Woman Dies After Crashing Into Logging Truck appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.


ACSO Charges Jamilla Smith’s Ex-Boyfriend with Murder

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Aiken County authorities have charged Jamilla Smith’s ex-boyfriend with her murder while they continue searching for her.

Saturday’s announcement of a new charge against Daniel Harmon comes as investigators revealed new details on the day she went missing. They also spelled out why they presume she was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend, including blood found in his rented vehicle.

Harmon was taken into custody Dec. 5 for domestic violence and Smith’s family have not heard from her since reporting her missing. Later, in the missing person investigation, investigators obtained an arrested warrant charging Harmon with kidnapping her.

Authorities say Harmon likely killed the victim on the evening of Dec. 2 in the area of 425 Old Jackson Highway in the Jackson area. Smith called 911, stating her ex-boyfriend broke into her house and was chasing her down the road. On the 911 call, Smith sounded out of breath.

“When the dispatcher asks her where she will meet the deputy, a car engine can be heard revving before Jamilla is heard screaming and the phone appears to drop,” authorities said in a murder affidavit. “A male voice is heard telling Jamilla to get into the car and he will take her to the emergency room. Jamilla continues to scream and can be heard yelling no, don’t touch me, don’t hurt me please, and you hit me.”

The report continues, “The male is heard saying you jumped in front of the car before Jamilla says no I didn’t. Jamilla says leave me alone, it hurts and I can’t. Jamilla continues to scream no, I can’t my arm, and you ran over me. A horn can be heard and a dog barking.”

The next day, Tina McCraw, Jamilla’s mother, reported her missing. When police located Harmon in North Augusta, his rented Dodge Charger was seized. During the search, suspected blood was located in the spare tire area of the trunk. Swabs were taken from the vehicle and sent to state lab and known samples of Smiths.

“Search warrants were obtained for Jamilla Smith’s cell phone and the results show no activity since December 2,” the report says.

Authorities say they believe Harmon killed her, especially since her family has not heard from her in weeks.

“This is not consistent with Jamilla Smith’s known behavior. Tina McCraw, Jamilla Smith’s mother, speaks with her daughter several times a day. Jamilla Smith has not reached out to either of her two children, her father Jame Smith, nor any of her siblings. Jamilla Smith has had no cell phone activity since December 2,” the report says.

Also, Harmon was found to have hit Jamilla Smith with a vehicle and did not transport her to the hospital.

If anyone has any information on this investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at 803-648-6811. Tipsters can also send a message about this case by going to www.aikencountysheriff.net .

The post ACSO Charges Jamilla Smith’s Ex-Boyfriend with Murder appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Aiken Man Fatally Shot on Christmas Eve

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Aiken County authorities are investigating a Christmas Eve murder that took the life of an Aiken man.

Rondre J. Gomillion, 29, was fatally shot around 11 a.m. Sunday at 161 Squire Street in Aiken, Coroner Darryl Ables said. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

The victim was found in the front yard on Squire Street and appeared to have an apparent gunshot wound to his chest.

“A witness told deputies that the victim and the gunman got into an argument outside the home when shots rang out,” sheriff’s Capt. Eric Abdullah said. “The gunman drove away in a dark blue Chevy Suburban or Trailblazer. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5’11 tall and 160 lbs. and possibly goes by the name of Tony.”

It was also reported that “Tony” has ties to Florence, S.C., authorities said. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office is assisting with this investigation. If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 648-6811. Tipsters can also provide information by sending a message on our website at www.aikencountysheriff.net.

The post Aiken Man Fatally Shot on Christmas Eve appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Ex-Aiken Officer Charged With Assaulting Man After Wreck

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Former Aiken officer Anthony Briscoe Mason was charged on Wednesday with assault & battery for a January incident after a wreck.

The charge against the 28-year-old suspect comes after an investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division. He was previously terminated following an investigation into the use of excessive force after he responded to a wreck.

On Jan. 3, the Aiken Department of Public Safety received a complaint of Mason using excessive force, which led to an investigation and his termination. He had worked for the agency for two years.

The Aiken Department of Public Safety policy led the agency to turn the case over to SLED for investigation of possible criminal charges. He was arrested Wednesday and released on bond.

An incident report from other officers describes what reportedly happened. Here is the unedited version:

“On 01/03/23 at 1157 hours, PSO Mason responded to Two Notch Rd and E Pine Log Rd in reference to a collision. Upon arrival, PSO Mason made contact with both drivers. The driver of the Hyundai Tucson (SCTAG# UZE563) was Ms. Adriona Dunbar (Involved Other), and her passenger was Mr. Akia Jordan (Offender). PSO Mason spoke with the other driver and obtained his license, registration, and insurance.

While asking Mr. Jordan for his vehicle information and insurance, he stated “times were hard” and that he didn’t have insurance on the vehicle. PSO Mason then asked for his license and registration. As Mr. Jordan opened the driver’s door to obtain the registration, PSO Mason observed a heavy odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle.

PSO Mason received testimonies from both parties. He also ran each party and discovered Ms. Dunbar was suspended. PSO Scott arrived on scene to back PSO Mason. PSO Scott observed Mr. Jordan becoming highly agitated and nervous. He kept moving around, approaching PSO Mason’s window asking what was taking so long. PSO Scott advised PSO Mason the probability of Mr. Jordan running was high and that PSO Mason should complete accident report documents first.

PSO Mason completed the accident report and provided the other driver with a copy first. He then went to Mr. Jordan and Ms. Dunbar and explained it. PSO Mason also advised Mr. Jordan he was issuing a citation for operating a motor vehicle uninsured, and a driving under suspension citation for Ms. Dunbar. PSO Mason then stated he observed the odor of marijuana and was going to conduct a probable cause of the vehicle. Mr. Jordan responded with, “you are not searching the vehicle.” He then began walking away from officers. PSO Mason instructed Mr. Jordan to step back over in the grass where they initiated the conversation, and he insisted on walking away. PSO Mason grabbed Mr. Jordan’s arm and advised him to placed his hands behind his back. While doing so, Mr. Jordan took flight toward McDonald`s.

PSO Scott pursued him and PSO Mason followed behind them. After crossing four lanes of traffic, Mr. Jordan ran another 75 feet and surrendered. PSO Scott grabbed Mr. Jordan and assisted him to the ground as PSO Mason was approaching them. PSO Scott instructed Mr. Jordan to place his hands behind his back and he continued to resist. Due to this, PSO Mason struck Mr. Jordan on the top of the head. Mr. Jordan continued to resist by locking his left arm out. Officers detained Mr. Jordan and escorted him back over to the incident location.

SGT Barnwell and other officers arrived on scene and detained Ms. Dunbar. PSO Mason placed Mr. Jordan in custody for Failure to Comply (20230030018206). After searching him incident to arrest, PSO Mason placed him in his patrol vehicle. PSO Mason then conducted the probable cause search of the Hyundai.

PSO Mason took Ms. Dunbar out of handcuffs and issued her a citation for Driving Under Suspension – 1st Offense (20230030018205).

He also provided her with a copy of the accident report and explained it to her. While in the patrol vehicle, Mr. Jordan advised SGT Barnwell he needed EMS dispatched due to dizziness. SGT Barnwell dispatched them to the scene.

Due to the extent of damage caused by the collision, PSO Mason requested the next in rotation wrecker to tow the Hyundai. CJ`s Towing responded and took the vehicle. EMS then arrived on scene and evaluated Mr. Jordan. They advised everything looked optimal, and did not observe any areas of concern.

PSO Mason transported Mr. Jordan to ADPS Headquarters to receive his criminal history. Due to being involved in a collision, PSO Mason transported Mr. Jordan to Aiken Regional to receive a jail clearance. While at Aiken Regional, PSO Mason transferred custody of Mr. Jordan to PSO Bond. Mr. Jordan was cleared and transported to ACDC. Nothing further at this time.”

The post Ex-Aiken Officer Charged With Assaulting Man After Wreck appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Booze Bandits Wanted for $2,000 Theft from Augusta Liquor Store

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Three suspects are being sought for questioning in the recent theft of $2,000 worth of alcohol from White Horse Wine and Spirits in Augusta.

The men loaded up with booze on Dec. 8, used a credit card and then refuted the charges in a bogus fraud claim, according to a sheriff’s report.

Then, the geniuses returned to the Highland Avenue store the same day and attempted to purchase more alcohol. The business said their staff got a tag number to the black 2022 Hyundai Genesis they were driving. (GA # tag SCM4699).

On Friday, authorities sent out a wanted flyer with pictures of the suspects. They are wanted for questioning in the case for theft by deception.

Any information concerning these subjects should be sent to Sgt. Tom Johnson (706)-821-1795, or any On-Duty Investigator with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (706)-821-1020 or (706)-821-1080.

The post Booze Bandits Wanted for $2,000 Theft from Augusta Liquor Store appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

North Augusta Woman Dies After Crashing Into Logging Truck

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A North Augusta woman was identified as the driver killed Wednesday night after running into the back of a logging truck in Augusta.

Rebecca “Becky” Williams, 65, of North Augusta, was pronounced dead at 7:19 p.m. Wednesday. Authorities say her small vehicle ran into the rear of an 18-wheeler log truck that was stopped at the traffic light at Gordon Highway and Tubman Home Road.

Williams was being remembered online as a “sweet friend.” She was a huge Atlanta Falcons fan. Sadly, Williams lost her son earlier this year and had been mourning him in Facebook posts.

In unrelated traffic deaths, Coroner Mark Bowen has released the names of people killed in other recent fatalities.

William Powell, 29, of Waterfront Drive, Augusta, was the bicyclist who was struck by a vehicle Dec. 14 that was traveling westbound on Gordon Highway just east of Jimmy Dyess.

Timothy Peterson, 63, of Bertram Road, Augusta, was killed Dec. 14 after leaving the roadway on I-520 westbound Ramp to Wheeler Road. He struck a pole and died.

(Note: If you have photos of Powell or Peterson to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.)

The post North Augusta Woman Dies After Crashing Into Logging Truck appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

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