Crime
Augusta Woman Charged with Murder in Fatal Shooting at Cedarwood Apartments
AUGUSTA, GA – A woman has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of another resident at Cedarwood Apartments early Saturday morning.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Keondra McBride, 26, has been arrested and charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in connection with the death of 45-year-old Yolanda Renee Epps.
Authorities responded to a shooting call at the apartment complex, located at 527 Richmond Hill West, shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered Epps suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body.
Emergency responders transported her to Wellstar MCG Health, where she was pronounced dead at 6:44 a.m., according to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
Sheriff’s investigators swiftly identified McBride as a suspect in the shooting and took her into custody.
McBride and Epps lived in separate buildings within the complex—McBride resided in the O-Building, while the victim lived in the M-Building.
Following her arrest, McBride was booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. However, a mugshot was not immediately available.
At this time, investigators have not determined a motive for the shooting.
The case remains under active investigation.
This incident marks the eighth homicide in Richmond County this year, matching the number of homicides recorded at the same point last year.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.