Crime
14-year-old Deandre Howell killed, 3 other wounded in shooting near Meadowbrook Drive in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. — A deadly shooting in Augusta on Sunday afternoon has left a 14-year-old boy dead and three others injured, prompting a large-scale law enforcement response and an ongoing manhunt for additional suspects.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded in the area of Meadowbrook Drive and Deans Bridge Road, involving two separate shooting locations: the Advance Auto Parts store and a nearby Texaco gas station. A total of four people were shot, with one confirmed fatality.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased victim as 14-year-old Deandre Howell, who was shot at least once outside Advance Auto Parts.
Howell was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:05 p.m.
Authorities say two victims were shot at the Advance Auto location, while two others were shot at the Texaco.
Additionally, a vehicle was reportedly fired upon and later pulled over in a separate parking lot.
While officials have not confirmed the identities or affiliations of the victims, multiple witnesses stated that they were part of a group commonly referred to as the “Water Boys”—young individuals who regularly sell bottled water to passing drivers in the area.
In an on-scene press conference, Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard confirmed that multiple suspects have been taken into custody, but at least one suspect remains at large. “We are still actively searching for individuals involved. One suspect fled on foot into a backyard,” Blanchard said.
The Meadowbrook area has been completely shut down to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic as law enforcement continues its investigation.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Richmond County Coroner’s Office, and other agencies have joined in the response, including deploying drones for aerial surveillance and search efforts.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson was also present at the scene, receiving briefings from law enforcement and surveying the ongoing response.
“This is a very active and developing situation,” said Blanchard. “We are urging all residents to avoid the Meadowbrook area while our officers complete their search and investigation.”
Further details, including the identities of the other victims and possible motives, have not yet been released.
Authorities say more information will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.