A Graniteville teenager was killed early Saturday after running off the side of the road and overturning, authorities said.

Tanner Miller, 18, was killed in the one-vehicle accident on Schley Street at Monroe Street in Warrenville. It happened at 12:06 a.m. Saturday.

“A 2000 Toyota Tacoma truck was traveling west on Schley Street when the vehicle ran off the right side of the road, struck a culvert, and overturned ejecting the driver,” Coroner Darryl Ables said in a press release. “Tanner Miller was pronounced deceased on the scene from blunt force injuries.”

The Coroner’s Office along with the South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing with the investigation. Toxicology analysis is pending, the coroner said.

The fatality follows another one Friday night that claimed the life of a North Augusta man. In that wreck, 41-year-old Stephen Rouse wrecked while driving at 6:15 p.m. in the 600 block of Sudlow Lake Road in North Augusta.

“A 2022 Subaru was traveling west on Sudlow Lake Road when the vehicle ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree,” Ables said.

Rouse was pronounced deceased on scene from blunt force injuries. Toxicology analysis is pending in that case, the coroner said.

(If you have a photo of Stephen Rouse or a better photo of Tanner Miller to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.)

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A Grovetown woman was arrested Friday for animal cruelty after the gruesome discovery of 14 dead dogs scattered throughout her abandoned home.

A concerned neighbor’s call Thursday to the sheriff’s office led to the discovery of a gruesome scene at 2064 Magnolia Parkway. The neighbor expressed her worry about not seeing Margaret Nevils or any activity at the residence since October 2023, according to a report. Authorities say Nevils had been staying with a friend elsewhere in Columbia County.

Responding deputies encountered a nightmarish scenario within the property. The initial assessment revealed a residence in deplorable conditions, with floors covered in animal feces, furniture destroyed, and an emaciated pitbull left to fend for itself. Animal Services were immediately summoned to address the welfare of the distressed dog.

However, the most disturbing revelation came when Deputy Moseley and his team forced entry into the residence due to the absence of any response from the homeowner. Inside, they discovered a horrifying scene — multiple bags in the fridge and freezer containing the carcasses of 11 dogs. In the freezer, there was one full-size dog with seven puppies, sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said. Three were in the fridge section.

Further exploration of the locked bedrooms uncovered even more distressing details. The master bedroom revealed three deceased dogs in varying stages of decomposition, while the spare bedroom contained empty dog cages and shredded furniture.

“I also noticed that the walls had holes chewed through them where the pit bull had been chewing,” the report says. “The pit bull had chewed through the kitchen wall to the garage as well.”

In a stark contrast, the last bedroom contained belongings indicative of a child or teenager, deepening the mystery. “No human remains were located on the property,” the sheriff’s report says.

Sgt. Bultman, Deputy Moseley, and Investigator Bonsack proceeded with the investigation, with Officer Csira from Animal Services playing a crucial role in addressing the animal cruelty aspect.

“She worked in Richmond County, and we questioned her,” Maj. Morris said. “She was involved in some adoption service. That is still under in investigation. She stated she became overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do, and she abandoned the dogs.”

Investigator Bonsack has taken charge of the case and arrested Nevils at her real estate office in Richmond County on Friday morning, charging her with one felony count of animal cruelty. She is free on a $5,000 bond.

The pit bull is expected to survive and make a full recovery, Maj. Morris said.

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An Augusta man was killed Monday morning after crossing the center line and colliding with another vehicle, authorities said.

Herbert Marcus Smith, 28, was killed in the wreck on the 2300 block of Walden Drive in Augusta, according to Coroner Mark Bowen.

“Smith was the driver of an east bound vehicle that crossed the center line and struck a westbound vehicle,” the coroner said in a press release. “Smith had to be extricated from the vehicle. The passenger of the vehicle was transported to Wellstar MCG.”

Smith was being remembered by friends and family online.

Desiree Vonique offered up prayers for the family of Smith, who went by “Da Real Herbbo” on Facebook.

“One thing I can say is this man kept a big koolaid smile on his face and everybody’s he came into contact with!!!” Vonique said.

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A suspect is being sought in the weekend theft of an $80,000 watch from a jewelry shop at the Augusta Mall.

The man, pictured in a surveillance image, came into SB Jewelers & Custom Design on 3450 Wrightsboro Road on Sunday afternoon and asked to try on the watch.

“The store employee took the Audemars Piguet watch ‘iced out’ (covered in diamonds) out of the showcase to allow the subject to try the watch on,” a sheriff’s report says. “Once the employee placed the watch on the subject’s wrist, he turned and ran out the door.”

The suspect was described as a Black male wearing a tan or white mesh hat, a brown t-shirt with a white banner on it, blue jeans with the legs rolled up and tan / brown shoes.

The store valued the watch at $80,000.

Any information concerning this subject, please contact 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.

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Tragedy struck Aiken on Tuesday as the Aiken County authorities launch an investigation into the death of 78-year-old Swint E. Bradberry Jr.

Bradberry, known to the community as “Porky Bradberry,” was discovered lifeless inside a bedroom at 915 Brookhaven Drive during a reported burglary investigation conducted by Aiken Department of Public Safety officers. Bradberry was the name behind Porky Bradberry’s Jewelry on Whiskey Road, an Aiken business that underwent new ownership in 2020 while keeping the name.

In Tuesday’s homicide, Aiken officers responded around 8 a.m. to a burglary call and initiated a search of the residence, revealing the elderly man’s body with apparent blunt force injuries to the head. Bradberry was pronounced dead at the scene, and his body is scheduled for autopsy on Thursday afternoon in Newberry, Coroner Darryl Ables said.

The joint efforts of the Coroner’s Office, ADPS, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are focused on unraveling the circumstances leading to Bradberry’s tragic death. The investigation is being treated as a homicide due to the nature of the injuries, authorities said.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. The ADPS hotline at (803) 642-7620 and an online tip submission portal on the City of Aiken’s website remain open for contributions from the public.

In a 2020 news article, new ownership of Porky Bradberry’s Jewelry was announced with Jamie Whittle taking over the business while keeping the name.

“Every customer that comes in the store, the first thing they do is ask, ‘Where’s Porky? How’s Porky?” Whittle told the Aiken Standard. “He’s a person friend to most of these people.”

Bradberry’s parents, Swint and Elizabeth Bradberry, started a jewelry shop in New Ellenton in the 1950s, which later moved to downtown Aiken. When the couple retired in the 1980s, Bradberry Jr. helped them go out of business and opened up his own shop on Whiskey Road.

“I loved everything about being in the jewelry business,” he told the Aiken Standard. “But my favorite thing was my customers. … They would come in and talk to me, and we had a great time.”

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Richmond County authorities are seeking a second suspect in the Dec. 11 shooting death at Smart Grocery on Wrightsboro Road.

Sanqwon Berry, 16, is wanted for murder in the death of 32-year-old Jeremiah Griffin at the business on Wrightsboro Road. Berry is known to frequent the 3200 block of Wrightsboro Road.

On Dec. 11, deputies responded to gunfire at 8:50 p.m. and found the victim dead from at least one gunshot. Right away, authorities identified Berry as the shooter, but this week marks the first time the sheriff’s office has publicly released the teen suspect’s name and photo.

A second suspect, 21-year-old Tashanna McDaniel, was charged last month with murder for driving the shooter to the store, where he got into a verbal argument with Griffin before shooting him.

McDaniel allegedly did not report the shooting after driving away from the store without Berry. Once captured, Berry is facing charges of murder and weapon possession. He will be charged as an adult, authorities said.

The killing at Smart Grocery comes a year after another homicide at the same store. On Sept. 30, 2022, Zayquantez Jones, 17, was shot at the business. Darontaye Cummings, 17, of Augusta, has been indicted for malice murder in that case.

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Aiken Department of Public Safety detectives have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of this week’s gruesome beating death of 78-year-old Swint Bradberry Jr.

Detectives identified and subsequently arrested 27-year-old Alexander Boone of Aiken, charging him Wednesday with burglary and murder. He has a history of breaking into vehicles, grand larceny, drug possession and domestic violence.

Bradberry, known to the community as “Porky Bradberry,” was discovered lifeless inside a bedroom at 915 Brookhaven Drive during a reported burglary investigation conducted by Aiken Department of Public Safety officers. Bradberry was the name behind Porky Bradberry’s Jewelry on Whiskey Road, an Aiken business that underwent new ownership in 2020 while keeping the name.

Aiken Capt. Marty Sawyer said the killing likely occurred Monday night, when the suspect broke a glass window at the front of the house to get inside and assault the victim. Bradberry had significant medical issues and was possibly blind. A friend who routinely picks up Bradberry and takes him to breakfast saw the busted window Tuesday morning and called police, who found the homeowner’s body inside, Capt. Sawyer said.

An arrest warrant says Boone went inside and struck Bradberry in the head multiple times with an unknown object, causing his death. He then fled with the victim’s orthotic Velcro shoes and his “Members Only” jacket that had Bradberry’s dry-cleaning receipt still attached.

This arrest follows a thorough examination of the crime scene and collaborative efforts with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and other agencies involved in the case, authorities said. The motive behind this brutal crime remains a key focus of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are urging the community to continue providing crucial information to aid in unraveling any potential connections between the suspect and the victim. The Aiken Department of Public Safety said the agency remains dedicated to bringing justice to Bradberry and his grieving family.

Community members with information can call 803-642-7620 or submit anonymous tips online at Crime Tip | City of Aiken, SC Government (cityofaikensc.gov).

Boone has convictions for burglary, breaking into motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, drug possession and domestic violence.

Bradberry has a history of his own, as detailed in a previous article in The Augusta Chronicle. He was once charged in the 1982 murder of wife Linda Bradberry. Prosecutors had alleged that he hired someone to kill her.

Linda Bradberry was found outside the old J.H. Quattlebaum’s Grocery on New Holland Road. She was on her hands and knees between the bucket seats facing the rear of her vehicle. She had been shot in the head at close range with a shotgun.

After five years without an arrest, the sheriff’s office arrested her husband and four other men, including a man who told officials that Porky Bradberry paid him and three others to carry out the slaying. He said they kidnapped the victim at the salon, took her to a remote location and killed her, then left her body at the abandoned grocery store, according to The Chronicle article.

But when serious contradictions developed in a witness’ statements and made conviction difficult, all of the suspects were released and charges were dismissed.

Porky Bradberry made headlines a few times after that with complaints and arrests for harassing phone calls to another ex-wife and criminal domestic violence for allegedly punching his wife. In the latter case, police said the victim was his fourth wife.

In 2011, Bradberry shot an armed robber in the face at his Aiken jewelry shop. The robber survived and was arrested.

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An Augusta felon and drug trafficker caused chaos in Columbia County on Friday with a low-speed chase and wreck near Grovetown.

Brendon Alexander Daniels, 23, is facing a long list of charges in the wreck, which tied up traffic and led to a large police response on Lewiston Road and William Few Parkway.

Authorities say the incident stemmed from an argument between two drivers. An investigation revealed new details into the day’s events.

A dark-colored Dodge Challenger was reported chasing a white Cadillac on Lewiston Road towards Columbia Road, with reports of possible gunfire. Law enforcement swiftly responded, and a confrontation ensued in the Food Lion parking lot.

Deputies were able to make contact with the vehicles, resulting in the Challenger attempting to flee. The pursuit continued south on Lewiston Road until it collided with a red Mitsubishi at the intersection of William Few, following a red light violation. The suspect, later identified as Daniels, abandoned the vehicle and fled into a wooded area behind Classic Collision.

After a brief search, authorities successfully located and apprehended Daniels. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to evaluate Daniels for a possible asthma attack, and he was subsequently transported to Doctors Hospital for further assessment.

The victim, Kelvin Paige, told authorities that the incident began at Walmart on Steiner Way, where Daniels allegedly attempted to rob him at gunpoint. Paige managed to escape, leading to the high-speed pursuit. He claimed not to know Daniels personally and was uncertain if shots were fired during the chase.

Daniels insisted that he knew Paige and alleged that the motive behind the pursuit was a debt owed to him. K9 units were deployed to search for the firearm used in the robbery, eventually recovering it in the Food Lion parking lot. Additionally, narcotics units were called to the scene after drugs were discovered in Daniels’ vehicle.

Daniels is a career criminal who has been charged with dealing drugs multiple times in Richmond County since he was a teenager, but was always given a slap on the wrist for the distribution charges. He had two stints in Georgia prison, including for drug trafficking out of Newton County and other theft and obstruction charges in Richmond County. He was last released from prison in September 2022.

Since his youth, he has been charged with dealing cocaine, meth and marijuana. Other charges include commercial gambling, possession of a pistol by someone under 18, weapon possession, theft by receiving stolen property, obstruction and reckless driving.

The post Augusta Felon Creates Chaos with Road Rage Incident and Wreck Near Grovetown appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

An Aiken man has been charged with felony DUI in connection with his girlfriend’s death last month, according to authorities.

Brian West, 32, was driving a Dodge Challenger on Dec. 16 with girlfriend Khadijah Jackson in the passenger seat. West was traveling south on Pine Log Road when it collided with a 2002 Nissan that was traveling east on Wagener Road, authorities said.

Jackson, 28, suffered critical injuries and died three days later at Wellstar MCG Health. The S.C. Highway Patrol investigated the wreck, which revealed that West was impaired, leading to his arrest Tuesday for felony driving under the influence resulting in a death. If convicted, he faces a possible fine of up to $25,100, a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison, and up to 25 years in prison.

His formal arrest came just one day before Jackson was laid to rest after a funeral at Old Storm Branch Baptist Church. According to an obituary, Jackson graduated from Fox Creek High School and was working at Kimberly Clark Corporation. The obituary lists West as a devoted friend.

In a Facebook post on Dec. 21, West remembered his girlfriend with photos of the two of them together.

“Never thought I’ll be making (this) post baby,” he said. “I really don’t even know what to say. I love you forever and forever will keep your name alive. I just wish the car would’ve hit my side.”

West pledged to give her the best homecoming service.  “We goin to make sure u get laid to rest right beside yo mother too,” he said. “I will never forget about u.”

After the Dec. 16 wreck, officers cited West for operating vehicle without license in possession and failure to maintain proof of insurance in motor vehicle. He has a long history of traffic-related offenses in his adult life, including careless driving, failure to stop for blue light, failure to stop at a stop sign, no seat belt, following too closely, speeding, driving under suspension and transporting alcohol in motor vehicle with seal broken. He has also been convicted of malicious injury to personal property.

The post Aiken Man Charged with Felony DUI in Death of Girlfriend appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

An Aiken man has been charged with felony DUI in connection with his girlfriend’s death last month, according to authorities.

Brian West, 32, was driving a Dodge Challenger on Dec. 16 with girlfriend Khadijah Jackson in the passenger seat. West was traveling south on Pine Log Road when it collided with a 2002 Nissan that was traveling east on Wagener Road, authorities said.

Jackson, 28, suffered critical injuries and died three days later at Wellstar MCG Health. The S.C. Highway Patrol investigated the wreck, which revealed that West was impaired, leading to his arrest Tuesday for felony driving under the influence resulting in a death. If convicted, he faces a possible fine of up to $25,100, a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison, and up to 25 years in prison.

His formal arrest came just one day before Jackson was laid to rest after a funeral at Old Storm Branch Baptist Church. According to an obituary, Jackson graduated from Fox Creek High School and was working at Kimberly Clark Corporation. The obituary lists West as a devoted friend.

In a Facebook post on Dec. 21, West remembered his girlfriend with photos of the two of them together.

“Never thought I’ll be making (this) post baby,” he said. “I really don’t even know what to say. I love you forever and forever will keep your name alive. I just wish the car would’ve hit my side.”

West pledged to give her the best homecoming service.  “We goin to make sure u get laid to rest right beside yo mother too,” he said. “I will never forget about u.”

After the Dec. 16 wreck, officers cited West for operating vehicle without license in possession and failure to maintain proof of insurance in motor vehicle. He has a long history of traffic-related offenses in his adult life, including careless driving, failure to stop for blue light, failure to stop at a stop sign, no seat belt, following too closely, speeding, driving under suspension and transporting alcohol in motor vehicle with seal broken. He has also been convicted of malicious injury to personal property.

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An Augusta teen was arrested Friday in the Christmas Eve killing of a neighbor.

Wyzier Holt, 18, is accused of fatally shooting 36-year-old Steven Luke on Christmas Eve near the suspect’s home on James Drive. Luke was later found around the corner on Boykin Road, where he lives. He was rushed to Wellstar MCG, where he was pronounced dead an hour later.

Just before 5 p.m. Friday, sheriff’s officers and the U.S. Marshals Service responded to the street where Holt lives and apprehended him. Warrants have been obtained for murder and weapon possession.

Holt had been sought for over a week in the killing. He served time as a juvenile for the 2021 killing of Tekeil Lee Jr., 16, was killed on Nov. 1, 2021. Over pleas by the victim’s family in that case, a judge gave Holt 18 months for involuntary manslaughter and he was released.

A mugshot of Holt was not immediately available.

The post Augusta Teen Arrested in Christmas Eve Killing of Neighbor appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

A Graniteville teenager was killed early Saturday after running off the side of the road and overturning, authorities said.

Tanner Miller, 18, was killed in the one-vehicle accident on Schley Street at Monroe Street in Warrenville. It happened at 12:06 a.m. Saturday.

“A 2000 Toyota Tacoma truck was traveling west on Schley Street when the vehicle ran off the right side of the road, struck a culvert, and overturned ejecting the driver,” Coroner Darryl Ables said in a press release. “Tanner Miller was pronounced deceased on the scene from blunt force injuries.”

The Coroner’s Office along with the South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing with the investigation. Toxicology analysis is pending, the coroner said.

The fatality follows another one Friday night that claimed the life of a North Augusta man. In that wreck, 41-year-old Stephen Rouse wrecked while driving at 6:15 p.m. in the 600 block of Sudlow Lake Road in North Augusta.

“A 2022 Subaru was traveling west on Sudlow Lake Road when the vehicle ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree,” Ables said.

Rouse was pronounced deceased on scene from blunt force injuries. Toxicology analysis is pending in that case, the coroner said.

(If you have a photo of Stephen Rouse or a better photo of Tanner Miller to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.)

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A Grovetown woman was arrested Friday for animal cruelty after the gruesome discovery of 14 dead dogs scattered throughout her abandoned home.

A concerned neighbor’s call Thursday to the sheriff’s office led to the discovery of a gruesome scene at 2064 Magnolia Parkway. The neighbor expressed her worry about not seeing Margaret Nevils or any activity at the residence since October 2023, according to a report. Authorities say Nevils had been staying with a friend elsewhere in Columbia County.

Responding deputies encountered a nightmarish scenario within the property. The initial assessment revealed a residence in deplorable conditions, with floors covered in animal feces, furniture destroyed, and an emaciated pitbull left to fend for itself. Animal Services were immediately summoned to address the welfare of the distressed dog.

However, the most disturbing revelation came when Deputy Moseley and his team forced entry into the residence due to the absence of any response from the homeowner. Inside, they discovered a horrifying scene — multiple bags in the fridge and freezer containing the carcasses of 11 dogs. In the freezer, there was one full-size dog with seven puppies, sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said. Three were in the fridge section.

Further exploration of the locked bedrooms uncovered even more distressing details. The master bedroom revealed three deceased dogs in varying stages of decomposition, while the spare bedroom contained empty dog cages and shredded furniture.

“I also noticed that the walls had holes chewed through them where the pit bull had been chewing,” the report says. “The pit bull had chewed through the kitchen wall to the garage as well.”

In a stark contrast, the last bedroom contained belongings indicative of a child or teenager, deepening the mystery. “No human remains were located on the property,” the sheriff’s report says.

Sgt. Bultman, Deputy Moseley, and Investigator Bonsack proceeded with the investigation, with Officer Csira from Animal Services playing a crucial role in addressing the animal cruelty aspect.

“She worked in Richmond County, and we questioned her,” Maj. Morris said. “She was involved in some adoption service. That is still under in investigation. She stated she became overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do, and she abandoned the dogs.”

Investigator Bonsack has taken charge of the case and arrested Nevils at her real estate office in Richmond County on Friday morning, charging her with one felony count of animal cruelty. She is free on a $5,000 bond.

The pit bull is expected to survive and make a full recovery, Maj. Morris said.

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An Augusta couple are dead from a murder-suicide on Sunday night on Holden Drive, authorities said.

The Coroner’s Office responded to the 1209 Holden Drive Sunday night in reference to two subjects that were shot inside the 675-feet residence, where Christmas decorations still mark the recent holiday.

Rebecca Williams, 41, was shot at least one time, according to Coroner Mark Bowen. Michael Vincent Williams, 43, was shot at least one time from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Both were pronounced dead on scene at 9:50 p.m., Bowen said.

Rebecca’s brother found the bodies Sunday night after his sister did not show up to work and an event that she would not normally miss. They were likely killed sometime between Friday and Sunday.

Landlord Michael Thurman said he was shocked at the deaths in the neighborhood, which he has worked hard to clean up after purchasing the homes and getting rid of the drug element with good screening. He does background checks on tenants and remember the Williams couple as “model tenants” when they started renting the house last July. Michael Williams suffered a debilitating stroke last year, but the couple were still “as happy as a couple can be,” Thurman said.

“No problems or fights or anything that I would be aware of,” said Thuman, who has been fixing houses for 30 years.

Michael Williams last worked as a Pharmacy Support Anaylst with ScriptPro, according to his LinkedIn profile. His criminal record in Richmond County included DUI and marijuana possession convictions as well as a few traffic offenses.

Rebecca “Bex” Williams was being honored online from those who knew her at Urban Outfitters Call Center, where she had worked since 2019 and was a Contact Center Supervisor. She had previously worked as an optical technician at MyEyeDr. and an assistant manager at a local Waffle House, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Dreaa Howard said, “Prayers for her family. So sorry this happened to you Rebecca, one of the koolest sups at URBN.”

Pretti Smith said, “I use to think about you alll the timeeee! You let me decorate my desk for Halloween and Christmas. You use to pull me off the phone. You were so understanding. A great person. This just broke my heart.”

An URBN co-worker, Crystal Martie, sent this photo with the message: “She was the happiest, fun loving, caring and selfless person I knew.”

Another co-worker, Jessica Weathersbee, said this: “Bex had the kind of soul that everyone fell in love with. She was caring and always willing to lend an ear, a ride home, a coat, and even her home to those in need! She will be greatly missed by her URBN Family!”

Candi Thurmond said Rebecca was one of the sweetest people she knew. “It didn’t matter who you were, if she could help, she would. My heart is broken. She didn’t deserve this and she will be missed terribly!”

The post RICHMOND COUNTY: Augusta Couple Dead from Murder-Suicide appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

An Augusta couple are dead following a murder-suicide Monday outside an Aiken gas station, authorities said.

Authorities say the man had come to Murphy Express gas station on Richland Avenue where his wife worked and got into an argument with her around 10:52 a.m. Monday. An off-duty deputy was nearby and tried to intervene during the argument, but he was unsuccessful in stopping the gunfire, Aiken Public Safety Capt. Marty Sawyer said.

As officers were arriving, 43-year-old Tiffany Britt was shot by her husband, 55-year-old George Britt, Coroner Darryl Ables said.

“Mrs. Britt was transported to Aiken Regional Medical Centers where she was pronounced deceased,” Ables said in a press release. “Mr. Britt was pronounced deceased on scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Both will be autopsied Wednesday morning in Newberry.”

The deputy suffered minor injuries while trying to help. The State Law Enforcement Division has been asked to investigate because an officer was involved, Capt. Sawyer said.

In a cryptic post on his Facebook page on Dec. 30, George Britt wrote about his love for his wife and how he could never live without her in his life.

“I love this woman to death,” he wrote on the post. “She is the love of my life and my world. I will do anything to protect her. I could never see my life without you. I cherish every minute we have together. I love you with all my heart.”

A woman, who asked not be named, said Tiffany Britt took her in and raised her like her own child. She said George had children from a previous marriage while Tiffany did not.

“She took kids in and helped them when she could,” the woman said. “They were amazing people.”

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Aiken Department of Public Safety at (803) 642- 7620 or submit an anonymous online tip at Crime Tip | City of Aiken, SC Government (cityofaikensc.gov).

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An Augusta teen was arrested Friday in the Christmas Eve killing of a neighbor.

Wyzier Holt, 18, is accused of fatally shooting 36-year-old Steven Luke on Christmas Eve near the suspect’s home on James Drive. Luke was later found around the corner on Boykin Road, where he lives. He was rushed to Wellstar MCG, where he was pronounced dead an hour later.

Just before 5 p.m. Friday, sheriff’s officers and the U.S. Marshals Service responded to the street where Holt lives and apprehended him. Warrants have been obtained for murder and weapon possession.

Holt had been sought for over a week in the killing. He served time as a juvenile for the 2021 killing of Tekeil Lee Jr., 16, was killed on Nov. 1, 2021. Over pleas by the victim’s family in that case, a judge gave Holt 18 months for involuntary manslaughter and he was released.

A mugshot of Holt was not immediately available.

The post Augusta Teen Arrested in Christmas Eve Killing of Neighbor appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

A Graniteville teenager was killed early Saturday after running off the side of the road and overturning, authorities said.

Tanner Miller, 18, was killed in the one-vehicle accident on Schley Street at Monroe Street in Warrenville. It happened at 12:06 a.m. Saturday.

“A 2000 Toyota Tacoma truck was traveling west on Schley Street when the vehicle ran off the right side of the road, struck a culvert, and overturned ejecting the driver,” Coroner Darryl Ables said in a press release. “Tanner Miller was pronounced deceased on the scene from blunt force injuries.”

The Coroner’s Office along with the South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing with the investigation. Toxicology analysis is pending, the coroner said.

The fatality follows another one Friday night that claimed the life of a North Augusta man. In that wreck, 41-year-old Stephen Rouse wrecked while driving at 6:15 p.m. in the 600 block of Sudlow Lake Road in North Augusta.

“A 2022 Subaru was traveling west on Sudlow Lake Road when the vehicle ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree,” Ables said.

Rouse was pronounced deceased on scene from blunt force injuries. Toxicology analysis is pending in that case, the coroner said.

(If you have a photo of Stephen Rouse or a better photo of Tanner Miller to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.)

The post Graniteville Teen Killed After Overturning Truck appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

A Grovetown woman was arrested Friday for animal cruelty after the gruesome discovery of 14 dead dogs scattered throughout her abandoned home.

A concerned neighbor’s call Thursday to the sheriff’s office led to the discovery of a gruesome scene at 2064 Magnolia Parkway. The neighbor expressed her worry about not seeing Margaret Nevils or any activity at the residence since October 2023, according to a report. Authorities say Nevils had been staying with a friend elsewhere in Columbia County.

Responding deputies encountered a nightmarish scenario within the property. The initial assessment revealed a residence in deplorable conditions, with floors covered in animal feces, furniture destroyed, and an emaciated pitbull left to fend for itself. Animal Services were immediately summoned to address the welfare of the distressed dog.

However, the most disturbing revelation came when Deputy Moseley and his team forced entry into the residence due to the absence of any response from the homeowner. Inside, they discovered a horrifying scene — multiple bags in the fridge and freezer containing the carcasses of 11 dogs. In the freezer, there was one full-size dog with seven puppies, sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said. Three were in the fridge section.

Further exploration of the locked bedrooms uncovered even more distressing details. The master bedroom revealed three deceased dogs in varying stages of decomposition, while the spare bedroom contained empty dog cages and shredded furniture.

“I also noticed that the walls had holes chewed through them where the pit bull had been chewing,” the report says. “The pit bull had chewed through the kitchen wall to the garage as well.”

In a stark contrast, the last bedroom contained belongings indicative of a child or teenager, deepening the mystery. “No human remains were located on the property,” the sheriff’s report says.

Sgt. Bultman, Deputy Moseley, and Investigator Bonsack proceeded with the investigation, with Officer Csira from Animal Services playing a crucial role in addressing the animal cruelty aspect.

“She worked in Richmond County, and we questioned her,” Maj. Morris said. “She was involved in some adoption service. That is still under in investigation. She stated she became overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do, and she abandoned the dogs.”

Investigator Bonsack has taken charge of the case and arrested Nevils at her real estate office in Richmond County on Friday morning, charging her with one felony count of animal cruelty. She is free on a $5,000 bond.

The pit bull is expected to survive and make a full recovery, Maj. Morris said.

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An Evans man struck his wife in the head three times with a baseball bat Tuesday morning and then called 911 to confess as she ran to a neighbor for help, authorities said.

William Paul Ashmore Jr., 61, was charged with two counts of aggravated assault in his wife’s brutal assault on Andover Way.

“Paul Ashmore called 911 and reported to dispatch that he had hit his wife in the head with a baseball bat,” sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said. “He also held a knife to her before she ran away to a neighbor’s residence.”

In the 911 call, Ashmore admitted to hitting his wife and trying to kill her, the major said. Deputies arrived, located the suspect and detained him. His wife was located nearby on Montrose Place, where she was seen by EMS and transported to the hospital. She was conscious at the time of transport, Maj. Morris said.

A baseball bat and knife were taken as evidence.

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