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Evans Man Strangles Wife with Towel at Masters Inn Hotel

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An Evans man has been charged with murder in the overnight death of his wife at the Masters Inn on Washington Road in Augusta, authorities said.

Michael Paul Mitchell, 53, is accused of strangling 51-year-old Marchelle “Hope” Pilger with a towel, authorities said.

Just after midnight Thursday, authorities from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call at the Masters Inn at 3027 Washington Road. What initially began as a report of a suspicious situation escalated rapidly as deputies arrived to discover the lifeless body of Pilger.

Tragically, the efforts of law enforcement to revive Pilger proved futile, and she was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Deputy Coroner. The investigation swiftly shifted focus to a suspect identified as Mitchell, also a resident of the 900 block of River Bound Court in Evans. Mitchell was promptly detained by authorities and subsequently escorted to the Criminal Investigations Division for further questioning.

As the inquiry unfolded, the clouds of suspicion solidified into formal charges against Mitchell, who was arrested for murder. The suspect has a long criminal record, with previous arrests for discharging a firearm on another person’s property, pointing a gun at another person, shoplifting and more.

Note: If you have a photo of victim Marchelle Pilger to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.

The post Evans Man Strangles Wife with Towel at Masters Inn Hotel appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.


Girl Scouts Targeted in Theft Scandal in Columbia County

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The Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia in Columbia County have been rocked by a disturbing case of theft by conversion, leaving the organization reeling and seeking justice.

According to a police report filed last week, the Girl Scouts’ local branch at 4687 Columbia Road in Martinez fell victim to financial malfeasance and missing funds from the sale of Girl Scout cookies.

Shonda Wilson, the individual responsible for managing the organization’s account, revealed alarming details of the breach in an interview with authorities. Wilson disclosed that a woman had been entrusted with overseeing the account in 2023. However, suspicions arose in March of that year when irregularities surfaced, including unprocessed deposits and unaccounted funds.

Wilson alleged that payments for cookies, totaling a significant sum, were made to the suspect but never found their way into the organization’s coffers. The situation escalated over months, with Wilson continually confronting the woman about the discrepancies. Despite partial restitution in December 2023, Wilson asserts that the financial irregularities persist, with potential losses estimated at $5,000 or more.

No charges have been filed as the investigation continues, with Wilson promising to provide more financial documents soon to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, according to sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris. The suspect allegedly claimed that she simply forgot to make the deposits and showed up at Girl Scout offices with a cashier’s check, which didn’t cover the entire amount of missing funds, Maj. Morris said.

The Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, renowned for its dedication to empowering young girls and fostering leadership skills, now finds itself grappling with the fallout of this financial scandal.

The post Girl Scouts Targeted in Theft Scandal in Columbia County appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Augusta Father Dies in Late-Night Shooting

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An Augusta father was fatally shot just after midnight Wednesday at East Augusta Commons.

Wonya Malik Ryan, 28, was shot at least one time at the townhomes at 420 East Boundary Street in Augusta. He was rushed to Wellstar MCH Heath, where he was pronounced dead at 2:06 a.m. Wednesday, according to Coroner Mark Bowen.

Richmond County authorities have identified a suspect in the killing, but the suspect is not in custody. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has not released any details on the shooting or a possible motive. An autopsy has been scheduled.

Ryan was the father of a 2-year-old boy, according to his Facebook page. He is being remembered as an awesome dad who worked hard to make sure he took care of his son.

The coroner said Ryan lived on Monte Carlo Drive in Augusta, which is about 12 miles from where he was killed.

The post Augusta Father Dies in Late-Night Shooting appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Coroner: Death of Man Found on Warrenville Front Porch is Suspicious

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A man’s body was found Wednesday afternoon on the front porch of a Warrenville home along a busy road, according to the coroner.

The disturbing discovery at 2032 Augusta Road came after an urgent call from a vigilant passerby, leading deputies from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office to rush to the scene at 2:11 p.m. Wednesday.

Upon arrival, law enforcement officers were met with a scene shrouded in tragedy: the lifeless body of a white male sprawled across the front porch of a residence, which sits between several businesses, including Racer Gas and a used car dealership. The circumstances surrounding the individual’s demise remain murky, prompting authorities to launch a full-scale investigation into the suspicious circumstances, according to Coroner Darryl Ables.

With the victim’s identity withheld pending formal confirmation and notification of kin, the Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the sheriff’s office are taking charge, scheduling an autopsy slated for Friday morning in Newberry. This critical examination aims to uncover the truth behind the untimely death, delving into the potential causes and contributing factors.

The post Coroner: Death of Man Found on Warrenville Front Porch is Suspicious appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Victim Found Dead on Warrenville Porch is Identified as Homeowner

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The man whose body was found Wednesday afternoon on the front porch of a Warrenville home has been identified.

The victim has been identified as the homeowner, 52-year-old Joseph A. Keenan, Sr.

The disturbing discovery at 2032 Augusta Road came after an urgent call from a vigilant passerby, leading deputies from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office to rush to the scene at 2:11 p.m. Wednesday.

Upon arrival, law enforcement officers were met with a scene shrouded in tragedy: the lifeless body of a white male sprawled across the front porch of a residence, which sits between several businesses, including Racer Gas and a used car dealership. The circumstances surrounding the individual’s demise remain “suspicious,” prompting authorities to launch a full-scale investigation into the circumstances, according to Coroner Darryl Ables.

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the sheriff’s office are investigating, scheduling an autopsy slated for Friday morning in Newberry. This critical examination aims to uncover the truth behind the untimely death, delving into the potential causes and contributing factors.

The post Victim Found Dead on Warrenville Porch is Identified as Homeowner appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Convicted Drug Dealer Arrested in Murder at East Augusta Commons

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A convicted drug dealer was charged Wednesday in the shooting death of a local father at East Augusta Commons.

Cornelius Antonio Sims, 34, is accused of killing 28-year-old Wonya Malik Ryan just after midnight Wednesday. Neither man appears to be residents of the town homes on East Boundary Street, where the shooting took place. Sims lived on Lumpkin Road and the victim resided 12 miles away on Monte Carlo Drive.

Sims is charged with murder, weapon possession, criminal damage to property and three warrants for order to show cause warrants from Superior Court. A motive is not clear, but a viral post online suggests it was a set-up with Sims calling the victim to the home of Sims’ girlfriend before the shooting.

Authorities say Ryan was shot at least one time. He was rushed to Wellstar MCH Heath, where he was pronounced dead at 2:06 a.m. Wednesday, according to Coroner Mark Bowen.

Ryan was the father of a 2-year-old boy, according to his Facebook page. He is being remembered as an awesome dad who worked hard to make sure he took care of his son.

The suspect has twice served time in Georgia prisons for drugs, including a one-year stint from August 2020 to November 2021 related to a conviction for dealing cocaine in the Augusta area. Sims has multiple arrests for dealing drugs since he was a youth, including a 2012 trafficking cocaine charge that was simply dismissed a year later. He also has arrests for obstruction and several suspended license and open container charges.

The post Convicted Drug Dealer Arrested in Murder at East Augusta Commons appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Illegal Immigrant Wanted for Rape of 10-Year-Old Girl in Aiken

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An illegal immigrant is on the run, accused of raping his girlfriend’s 10-year-old niece on New Year’s Eve in Aiken.

Jose Ulises Jiminez Martinez, 24, has a warrant for his arrest for criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, sheriff’s Capt. Eric Abdullah said this week.

The girl’s mother and others have been posting on social media about the case with a photo of the suspect, which the sheriff’s office confirms is the suspect.

“He ran and hasn’t been seen since,” a Facebook post said. “5’8″ and usually a hat on or a man bun. They think he could be in the Aiken area because he has family there!”

A deputy responded on New Year’s Day to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, where the victim’s mother said her daughter had been raped the night before while in the care of the victim’s aunt and boyfriend in Aiken. The girl lives with her mother in Warrenville.

The mother showed authorities a Facebook private message where Martinez said he was “too drunk to remember anything that happened the previous night,” a sheriff’s report says. The mother said she was told Martinez got very drunk at a party and later went home.

“Ulises then took (the girl) to the bedroom and had non-consensual sex with her,” the report says.

The mother brought her daughter to the hospital for a rape kit as soon as she was told about what happened. The girl was later interviewed and an warrant subsequently issued.

The post Illegal Immigrant Wanted for Rape of 10-Year-Old Girl in Aiken appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Failed Bank Robber Caught Next Morning Stealing Kids Clothes

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The suspect who failed miserably in robbing the Bank of America was caught the next day after walking out of the Wrightsboro Road Walmart with kids clothing, authorities say.

Carlton Salder, 57, of Hephzibah, is seen on camera Tuesday after walking into the Peach Orchard Road bank, his head covered by a hoodie and his hand in his jacket, like he had a weapon. He demanded $600 from a teller, according to authorities. Another bank employee asked what the problem was.

“Shut up, b****, give me the money before I shoot you in the face,” he reportedly said.

 

But a confident security guard saw what was happening and aggressively walked the suspect out of the bank without any money. A surveillance image shows the suspect getting into the back seat of a gray Honda SUV.

The robber evaded capture, but pressed his luck first thing Wednesday morning. Authorities say he walked into the Walmart on Wrightsboro Road at 7 a.m. and stuffed children’s shirts, skirts and sweatpants under his jacket. He then left without paying.

A deputy spotted him walking down Wrightsboro Road, and Sadler went from walking fast to running until the deputy threatened to Tazer him if he didn’t stop. The six clothing items were found on him.

Sadler has been charged with criminal attempted robbery and shoplifting. He remained at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on Sunday night on a $34,500 bond.

Sadler has a previous conviction from 2019 after pleading guilty to cocaine possession and three counts of obstruction. Judge Daniel Craig gave him five years of probation.

The post Failed Bank Robber Caught Next Morning Stealing Kids Clothes appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.


Failed Bank Robber Caught Next Morning Stealing Kids Clothes

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The suspect who failed miserably in robbing the Bank of America was caught the next day after walking out of the Wrightsboro Road Walmart with kids clothing, authorities say.

Carlton Salder, 57, of Hephzibah, is seen on camera Tuesday after walking into the Peach Orchard Road bank, his head covered by a hoodie and his hand in his jacket, like he had a weapon. He demanded $600 from a teller, according to authorities. Another bank employee asked what the problem was.

“Shut up, b****, give me the money before I shoot you in the face,” he reportedly said.

 

But a confident security guard saw what was happening and aggressively walked the suspect out of the bank without any money. A surveillance image shows the suspect getting into the back seat of a gray Honda SUV.

The robber evaded capture, but pressed his luck first thing Wednesday morning. Authorities say he walked into the Walmart on Wrightsboro Road at 7 a.m. and stuffed children’s shirts, skirts and sweatpants under his jacket. He then left without paying.

A deputy spotted him walking down Wrightsboro Road, and Sadler went from walking fast to running until the deputy threatened to Tazer him if he didn’t stop. The six clothing items were found on him.

Sadler has been charged with criminal attempted robbery and shoplifting. He remained at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on Sunday night on a $34,500 bond.

Sadler has a previous conviction from 2019 after pleading guilty to cocaine possession and three counts of obstruction. Judge Daniel Craig gave him five years of probation.

The post Failed Bank Robber Caught Next Morning Stealing Kids Clothes appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Suspect Sought After Hillcrest Cemetery Office Burglary

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Richmond County authorities are asking for help in identifying a man wanted for questioning in a break-in at the office of Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

An alarm was activated around 3:30 p.m. Saturday when someone broke the rear window to the office and stole an HP printer and a Mini iPad from the manager’s office.

A neighbor told a cemetery manager that a vehicle was in the parking lot of the cemetery on Deans Bridge Road before the burglary.

Any information regarding the pictured subject, please notify Deputy Thomas Langford in the Criminal Investigation Division of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1038, or any on duty investigator at (706) 821-1020 or (706) 821-1080.

The post Suspect Sought After Hillcrest Cemetery Office Burglary appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Human Remains Found After Fire at North Augusta Mobile Home

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Aiken County authorities are investigating a trailer fire early Saturday that ended with the discovery of human remains inside the North Augusta residence.

The fire inside the manufactured home at 131 Tiger Lily Circle was fully engulfed when authorities responded around 2:45 a.m. Saturday. The land is surrounded by other mobile homes, located off Old Edgefield Road, across the street from a Family Dollar store.

Fire crews from North Augusta Department of Public Safety battled the fire before sheriff’s investigators recovered human remains inside.

“Sheriff’s Investigators are working to determine the origin and cause of the fire,” Staff Sgt. Steve Shunn said in a press release. “The investigation is still ongoing with the assistance of the Aiken County Coroner’s Office.”

The sheriff’s office asked that if anyone has any information on this case to call the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 648-6811.

The post Human Remains Found After Fire at North Augusta Mobile Home appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Former School Officer Arrested After Hookup with Student at North Augusta High

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A former North Augusta High School resource officer was arrested Friday after a year-long investigation into his relationship with a female student.

Christopher Ryan Wilson, 23, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He has been released on a personal recognizance bond.

The arresting agency was the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which has been reviewing the case for the last year while conducting interviews with multiple people. They sent a report to Solicitor Bill Week’s office, who recommended the misdemeanor charge to SLED after talking to attorneys for both the lawyer and young woman. SLED accepted the recommendation and made the arrest Friday.

Wilson was not charged with any sex crime despite allegations of an inappropriate sexual relationship with the 17-year-old female student in a vehicle. He was also accused of supplying alcohol to the teen and a credit card that she used to buy herself things.

As part of the compromise on the misdemeanor charge, Wilson’s attorney offered an affidavit pledging that Wilson would never seek employment as a law enforcement officer in the future, according to Weeks.

Background of investigation. Three juvenile female students approached NAHS staff in December 2022 with “concerns that Officer Christopher Wilson may have had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a female student,” according to a NADPS report. The students also accused the officer of allowing the same student to use his credit card to purchase items, the report says.

The North Augusta Department of Public Safety reacted to the accusations against their officer by sending their criminal investigation unit to the school, where they met with staff and received written statements from the three students. One of the students said her friend was “touched inappropriately” by Officer Wilson, the report says.

The rookie officer was suspended immediately. He resigned three days later. He had worked for the agency since Feb. 2, 2022. A day after his resignation, then-NADPS Director John Thomas asked the SLED to investigate potential criminal actions by the officer.

“The potential allegations are criminal sexual conduct and supplying alcohol to a minor,” SLED spokeswoman Renée Wunderlich said last year.

The arrest. Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is classified as a Class A misdemeanor in South Carolina. If convicted, a person faces a fine of up to $3,000 or up to three years in jail or both. However, the judge has the final say as to what the specific sentence will be.

Solicitor Weeks said last month that his office was reviewing the case and saw mitigating circumstances, since the age difference between Wilson and the girl was not great. The officer was 22 at the time of the alleged relationship with the 17-year-old student, who is now in college. Plus, Wilson had only worked for the public safety department for less than a year and had no prior record.

The post Former School Officer Arrested After Hookup with Student at North Augusta High appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Laney High School Students Detained for Shooting Gun in Bathroom

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Gunfire inside a bathroom at Lucy C. Laney High School created chaos Monday morning and led to the detainment of the two students involved.

Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies swiftly responded to a report of a shot fired and brief lockdowns were initiated at the school as well as neighboring A. R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School and C.T. Walker Magnet School.

The incident, which occurred at 1339 Laney Walker Blvd, prompted an immediate response from law enforcement at approximately 9:57 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies were briefed on the situation and informed that a gunshot had been discharged within the confines of the school, originating from one of the restrooms. Officers were seen surrounding the school with guns drawn. A line of parents quickly formed outside from those wanting to withdraw their children for the day.

In a letter to parents, Principal Cordaryl Middleton said a toilet was struck by the gunfire, but no students or staff was hurt.

Following standard protocol, responding deputies quickly secured the area and commenced a search for any potential injuries or threats. Utilizing security footage from within the school premises, deputies were able to identify and apprehend the students allegedly responsible for the discharge of the firearm, sheriff’s Sgt. Caleb Lee said.

“The officer was able to locate a student that was involved and a gun. One student was located with a knife,” Dr. Middleton told parents. “Both students will be formally charged and the incidents will be addressed by the Richmond County Student Code of Conduct and Discipline.”

At this time, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with officers working to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm. However, no further details have been released as the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities have reassured the public that they are actively addressing the situation and are committed to providing updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, they urge anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the investigation.

The parent letter:

Reporter Skyler Andrews contributed to this report.

The post Laney High School Students Detained for Shooting Gun in Bathroom appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Kitchen Employee Arrested for Sexual Relationship with Augusta Inmate

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A kitchen employee at the Richmond County jail was charged Monday for allegedly having a sexual relationship with an inmate.

Romenia Williams, 41, was charged with sexual assault by persons with supervisory or disciplinary authority and one count of sodomy.

Aramark Food Services notified the sheriff’s office on Friday that one of their employees who was contracted to work at the jail was possibly involved in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate.

“During the interview, Williams admitted to being in a sexual relationship with an inmate while she was working in the kitchen” at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center, according to sheriff’s Investigator Walter M McNeil. “Investigators also interviewed the inmate who confirmed he was in an ongoing relationship with Williams.”

The inmate was identified as 34-year-old Bobby Allen Smith Jr., who has been locked up since last summer on an order show cause warrant from Superior Court. He and the kitchen worker allegedly had sex four or five times in the jail’s kitchen area between Nov. 9, 2023, and Feb. 5, 2024.

On Monday, Williams was arrested and booked into the jail, where she was held under no bond.

The post Kitchen Employee Arrested for Sexual Relationship with Augusta Inmate appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Sex Assault on Underage Girls Goes Live on Social Media from Augusta Hotel

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A Waynesboro man is facing felony charges after his sexual assault on two juvenile girls at an Augusta hotel was broadcast live on Facebook, authorities said.

Luckily, family members of the girls – ages 14 and 15 – were alerted to Friday night’s livestream and helped rescue the girls from the Quality Inn on Gordon Highway.

James Edward Mickens Jr., 42, is facing charges of rape, child molestation, furnishing alcohol to a minor and two counts of enticing a child for indecent purposes. He is also being held for probation and parole, under no bond at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.

The girls told authorities that they were at Citi Trends on Friday when they saw Mickens and asked him for a ride home. Instead, the suspect purchased alcohol and rented a room for them. The girls used the bathroom there and came out to find Mickens naked and trying to get them into bed.

At some point, a livestream was started and Mickens is allegedly seen removing the girls clothes and kissing them. He also is accused of raping the 14 year old when she stepped back into the bathroom, authorities said.

When relatives made contact with the hotel, a clerk went to the room, where Mickens answered and observed the suspect naked in the room. That is when the girls ran out of the room.

Deputies were able to take the video as evidence, leading to the sex crime charges against Mickens. He has previous Richmond County charges of drug possession, possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime and DUI.

The post Sex Assault on Underage Girls Goes Live on Social Media from Augusta Hotel appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.


Aiken Mother Charged After Daughter Dies from Fentanyl & Meth

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An Aiken County mom was charged Monday with homicide by child abuse after an autopsy on her 3-year-old daughter shows the child died from ingesting fentanyl and meth.

Carolyn Scott, 26, of Aiken, is blamed in the death of Riley Scott, who died Sept. 10 after being rushed to Children’s Hospital of Georgia. The mother is also charged with unlawful neglect of her other two children, ages 4 and 8.

Warrants say Scott had her three children living in deplorable conditions at a home in Jackson, where there was no running water and the electricity was being provided illegally in an unsafe manner.

“The home had evidence of narcotic use with uncapped syringes, foil and suspected drugs within reach of the minor child,” a warrant says. “The sheets and other items in the house tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl.”

Riley Scott was found blue and unresponsive on Sept. 10 by her older brother and her mother. The girl had been asleep for about two hours when her brother went into the room to try and wake her inside the home at 115 Ellen Drive in Jackson, a sheriff’s report says.

“Carolyn was trying to get the other juvenile to stop when she noticed what appeared to be vomit on the bed,” a sheriff’s report says. “Carolyn rolled the victim over on her back and noticed her to be unresponsive and turning blue. Carolyn then called for her mother Jennifer Scott, who then called 911.”

The mother and the homeowner, Ronald Doyle, told authorities they were unsure what the girl could have gotten into. The mother said Riley had no known medical issues.

First responders attempted CPR on Riley. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

But the warrant says the mother neglected Riley Scott and showed extreme indifference to human life. The girl had a body temperature of 86 degrees when transported to the hospital, indicating that she had more than an hour delay before medical assistance was contacted, a warrant says.

“Autopsy and toxicological analysis revealed her cause of death to be acute mixed drug intoxication of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine and her manner of death to be homicide,” the warrant says. “Naloxone (Narcan) was also found present in her blood indicating that she was administered the medication while she was still alive. Carolyn had knowledge about the dangers of fentanyl.”

The mother is being held without bond at the Aiken County Detention Center.

The post Aiken Mother Charged After Daughter Dies from Fentanyl & Meth appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Former RCSO Investigator’s Body Found in Hephzibah Woods

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The body of former Richmond County Sheriff’s Investigator Kendall Brown was found Tuesday afternoon in a wooded area on Patriot Drive in Hephzibah, authorities said.

The Coroner’s Office was notified and is in the early stages of the investigation, Coroner Mark Bowen said in a press release. Brown was pronounced dead on the scene at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday. The body was found not far from his home. An autopsy is scheduled.

Brown was reported missing to the Sheriff’s Department on Friday. He is former investigator and coordinator with the CSRA Metal Theft Task Force before leaving for a job with the railroad.

Brown was last seen at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2526 Lumpkin Road in Augusta, on Jan. 28. The sheriff’s office said he possibly left his residence on foot between Jan. 30-Feb. 2 from the 1000 block of Patriot Drive, which is near where he was found. He was listed as possibly endangered.

The search for Brown created a controversy and feud between the sheriffs in Burke and Richmond counties, with Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams criticizing Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree for stopping Burke County officers from helping in the search. Roundtree defended the move in a press release: “While the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office appreciates any agency who would offer their assistance; however, without having all the privileged information associated with this investigation, it could greatly jeopardize the outcome of the investigation.”

Here is Monday’s press release from Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams, followed by the press release from Sheriff Roundtree.

The press release from Sheriff Roundtree:

The post Former RCSO Investigator’s Body Found in Hephzibah Woods appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Two Augusta Girls Die in Overnight Fire; Mom & Sister Escape

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Tragedy struck the 1908 Moore Road in Augusta early on Thursday as firefighters battled a house fire that claimed the lives of two young children.

The blaze erupted at 1:04 am Thursday, prompting an emergency response from Augusta Fire EMS. Despite efforts to extinguish the flames, firefighters discovered the lifeless bodies of Ty’Asia Clifford, 10, and Aubrey Williams, 7, inside the home.

The mother and another daughter managed to escape the inferno but were hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the fire. The Augusta Fire EMS expressed their condolences, stating, “Our hearts go out to the family” in a somber message.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has launched an investigation into the tragic incident, seeking to determine the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two children.

Both girls were pronounced dead at the scene at 2:10 am Thursday. Autopsies have been scheduled to provide further insight into the devastating loss.

The post Two Augusta Girls Die in Overnight Fire; Mom & Sister Escape appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

2 Charged in Death of Warrenville Man Who Was Found on Front Porch

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Aiken County investigators have charged two men in last week’s shooting death of a Warrenville man, who was found on his front porch.

Austin Blake Satcher, 26, and Zackery Taylor Smith, 28, are both charged in connection to the death of Joseph A. Keenan, Sr.

Investigators were able to take Smith into custody at 209 Pelzer St., Warrenville, without incident on Wednesday. He was booked in jail on charges for murder and burglary. Satcher, who was already detained for unrelated charges, is also charged with murder, burglary and weapon possession.

A warrant for Smith spells out a possible motive: “Zackery Taylor Smith along with his co-defendant Austin Satcher did commit het act of Murder. The victim Joseph Keenan caught Zackery Smith on his property and was shot in the back with a firearm by the co-defendant. The defendant along with the co-defendant did commit the act of burglary by going into the victims residence and stealing his property. The defendant then stole the victims work truck, tools and trailer.”

Keenan, 52, was found on his front porch at 2032 Augusta Road and died after being shot, the coroner said last week. He will be laid to rest on Saturday at Hatcher Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Graniteville.

According to an obituary, the victim was in the construction industry. He enjoyed baseball, playing pool, riding four wheelers, and listening to music.  In addition to his parents, family members include his boys, Joseph Allen Keenan, Jr and his companion, Cailin Peebles and Cameron Keenan as well as several siblings.

Both suspect have criminal records involving weapons and drugs with little or no prison sentences. Satcher, specifically, has previous convictions for burglary, meth possession, possession of a stolen vehicle and unlawful carrying of a pistol.

The post 2 Charged in Death of Warrenville Man Who Was Found on Front Porch appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

Martinez Motorcyclist Dies After Being Run Over After Accident

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A fatal accident on Thursday evening has resulted in the loss of 44-year-old David Brady Jr., a Martinez resident.

According to Maj. Steve Morris of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a distress call around 5 p.m. regarding a collision involving a motorcycle at the intersection of Columbia Road and Merchants Village, near Kroger.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Brady was traveling westbound on Columbia Road on his motorcycle, occupying the inside lane. As he approached the vicinity of Regions Bank, a vehicle initiated a left turn from the center turn lane, intending to enter the bank’s parking lot.

The driver failed to detect Brady’s oncoming motorcycle, leading to a collision between the two vehicles. The impact propelled Brady from his motorcycle, causing him to land in the inside westbound lane, while his bike skidded into the center turn lane, Maj. Morris said.

The situation took a turn for the worse mere moments after the initial collision. Approximately ten seconds following the impact, another vehicle traveling westbound on Columbia Road, unaware of the unfolding tragedy, inadvertently struck Brady, who lay incapacitated on the roadway. Despite emergency services being promptly summoned to the scene, Brady succumbed to his injuries.

Charges are pending, Maj. Morris said.

The post Martinez Motorcyclist Dies After Being Run Over After Accident appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.

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