Crime
Ruben Johnson killed after shooting on on Amli Way in Augusta
The second victim remains hospitalized and is currently receiving medical care for his injuries.
Richmond County, GA — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Friday evening on the 1000 block of Amli Way, leaving one person dead and another injured.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 6:55 p.m.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered two male victims who had both sustained gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services were immediately called to the scene.
The victims were transported to Doctor’s Hospital of Augusta for treatment.
Tragically, one of the victims, identified by the Richmond County Coroner’s Office as Ruben Johnson, a resident of Augusta, was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The second victim remains hospitalized and is currently receiving medical care for his injuries.
Ruben Johnson, 20, was fatally shot on Friday evening at The Jasper apartment complex in Augusta. Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the incident at approximately 6:55 p.m., according to an official press release.
Authorities have since arrested 68-year-old Earnest Parkman and 21-year-old Jermaine Williams in connection with Johnson’s death. Both suspects face charges of murder, home invasion, and weapon possession.
According to warrants, Parkman and Williams allegedly forced their way into the residence and shot Johnson multiple times before fleeing the scene. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
While Parkman’s mugshot has been made available, authorities have not yet released an image of Williams.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting remain limited, and authorities have not yet released information about any potential suspects or motives.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be reported directly to the sheriff’s office or submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 706-821-1080.
This story is developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.