Crime
Martin Louis Gordon Fatally Stabbed Outside Helms College in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred late Sunday night outside the Village West Shopping Center on Washington Road, near the Helms College campus.
According to authorities, deputies were dispatched to the location at approximately 11:09 p.m. on October 13 in response to reports of an unresponsive individual.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, 30-year-old Martin Louis Gordon of Grovetown, suffering from at least one stab wound.
Despite immediate emergency response, Gordon succumbed to his injuries at the scene and was pronounced deceased at 11:35 p.m. by Deputy Coroner Kenneth Boose.
Investigators believe the stabbing occurred outside the Helms College School of Trades building, though the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Authorities have released an image of a suspect wanted in connection with Gordon’s murder, describing the individual as armed and dangerous.
Law enforcement urges anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity or whereabouts to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1020 or (706) 821-1080.
In response to the tragedy, Helms College issued a statement expressing sorrow over the loss of one of its students and confirming its cooperation with investigators.
“A tragic incident occurred late Monday evening outside the Helms College School of Trades building on our Augusta campus. Local law enforcement responded and is leading the investigation. We are fully cooperating with their efforts,” the statement read.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our HVAC students, identified publicly by authorities as 30-year-old Martin Louis Gordon of Grovetown. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, classmates, and instructors during this difficult time.”
The college also noted that student support services have been activated, with counseling staff, administrators, and the campus chaplain available to assist students and employees affected by the incident.
“Our priority is the well-being of our students and employees,” the statement continued. “We have enhanced our campus security measures and are working closely with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office while the investigation continues.”
Family members describe Martin Louis Gordon as a devoted father and hardworking student who had recently moved from Maryland to Grovetown in January to build a better life for his two children — an 8-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son.
Determined to maintain his perfect attendance record, Gordon reportedly attended class on Monday night despite facing transportation issues. When his brother arrived to pick him up nearly an hour after class had ended, he found Martin fatally wounded outside the school.
“Somebody just walked up to him and started stabbing him,” said Gordon’s sister-in-law. “He was not a confrontational guy at all.”
The family said they plan to tell his children about the tragedy after school on Tuesday, hoping to give them “one more day” before breaking the devastating news.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the killing, urging anyone with information to come forward as the search for the suspect intensifies.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.