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.
Crime
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”