The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified 14-year-old Deandre Howell as the victim of a deadly shooting that occurred Sunday afternoon near the intersection of Meadowbrook Drive and Deans Bridge Road.
According to authorities, Howell was shot at least once outside Advance Auto Parts on Deans Bridge Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 6:05 p.m. The shooting has shaken the local community just as the new school year begins.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that a total of four individuals were shot across two locations during the violent incident. Two victims were shot at the Advance Auto Parts, while two others were injured at the nearby Texaco gas station. In addition, a vehicle was struck by gunfire and later stopped in a different parking lot.
Multiple suspects have been taken into custody, but the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reports that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are still searching for other individuals potentially involved in the shooting. The area around Meadowbrook Drive and Deans Bridge Road remains an active crime scene, with law enforcement using aerial drones to assist in the search.
A significant law enforcement presence responded to the scene, including the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Richmond County Coroner’s Office. Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson also arrived on-site to address the unfolding situation. The scene began to clear around 7:30 p.m. Sunday evening.
This tragic incident marks a devastating loss for the Augusta community. Thoughts and prayers continue to pour in for Deandre Howell’s family and the families of all those impacted. As students prepare to return to school, the city is grappling with the pain of losing a young life to senseless violence.
Please keep the victims and their loved ones in your thoughts, and join the community in praying for peace and healing during this difficult time.
