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Shootings at store draw a call for action from Augusta leader

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Shootings at store draw a call for action from Augusta leader


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An Augusta Commission member wants to deal with a convenience store that seems to be a magnet for gunfire and murders.

Catherine Smith McKnight wants to consider beefing up security or closing down the Smart Grocery at 3221 Wrightsboro Road due to the number of shootings happening around there.

It’s a matter she brought up at Tuesday’s meeting of the commission.

The store has been the site of at least nine shootings in recent years, at least two of them fatal, including one on Dec. 11 claimed the life of Jeremiah Griffin, 32, of the 300 block of Fox Trace.

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McKnight’s matter is being moved to the next committee meeting of the commission so the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the store owner can speak.

Through McKnight’s communication with her district, she told News 12 it could be an issue of staffing deputies around the area, and that the owner has reached out to the sheriff’s agency for an added officer that he would pay for.

Another store in the Glendale neighborhood near the Olive Road bridge will also be discussed due to the number of shootings that also happen around here.

Smart Grocery has had a high profile in the news for all the wrong reasons.

It doesn’t help that it’s near some apartment complexes that have been trouble spots for crime, including the one where Griffin lived.

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In fact, one of the complexes – formerly known as Fox Den – had such a problem with drugs and other crime that the owner set up a mobile security tower with bright lights, cameras and a siren.

At least some of the violence from the apartments has spilled over to Smart Grocery in recent years, leading Smith McKnight to wonder at what point it becomes a public safety problem.

Smart Grocery and its immediate surroundings have been the site of several gun incidents in recent years. Among those incidents:

  • In July, one person was sent to a hospital after another shooting at the store.
  • In January 2023, a man was shot with his own gun in the 3200 block of Wrightsboro Road after an unknown person grabbed his pistol from his pocket and shot him with it as he tried to break up a fight.
  • In September 2022, Zayquantez Jones, 17, was killed in a shooting at the store.
  • In December 2021, two motorists fired gunshots at each other near the store before driving off in separate directions. One person was arrested.
  • On Nov. 23, 2021, a man pointed a gun at a woman in the parking lot of the store as part of an apparent road-rage incident.
  • In April 2021, a man was found in the parking lot of the store, injured after being shot at least twice.
  • In March 2020, a shooting there wounded a bystander after a verbal altercation in the parking lot. Marcia Laquette Wimbley, 28, of Augusta, was taken into custody
  • In November 2018, a victim was found in the parking lot of the store with at least two gunshot wounds in their mid-section.
  • In May 2017, a man suffered wounds to a hand and thigh in a shooting at the store. The injuries were not life-threatening.

Last year, commissioners vowed to bring more funding to fight crime in the area.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta church marks Black History Month with two-day celebration

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Augusta church marks Black History Month with two-day celebration


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A local church commemorated Black History Month through a two-day celebration honoring faith, heritage, and the achievements within the African American community.

The Black History Musical and Unity Day Celebration at Williams Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church kicked off Saturday with a musical that highlighted the role gospel music, spirituals, and faith communities have played throughout Black history.

The event continued on Sunday with a worship celebration featuring a guest speaker.

The theme for the service was “Celebrating Our Heritage: A Legacy of Excellence.”

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Augusta, GA

Augusta Honors Joyner on Senior Day, Rolls Past Middle Georgia 91-71 – Augusta University

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Augusta Honors Joyner on Senior Day, Rolls Past Middle Georgia 91-71 – Augusta University


AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta men’s basketball celebrated Senior Day in style Saturday afternoon, rolling past Middle Georgia, 91-71 in Christenberry Fieldhouse. The Jaguars honored senior Evan Joyner prior to tipoff, then matched the moment with a complete performance on both ends to improve to 12-17 overall and 7-12 in Peach Belt play.

Tobias Prall led all scorers with 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting and knocked down 5-of-6 from three to pace a balanced Augusta attack. Luis Nonfon followed with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Charlie McBeath added 16 points and seven rebounds, going 3-for-6 from beyond the arc.

Augusta used an early burst to take control and carried a 42-34 lead into the break before opening the second half with steady offensive execution and turnovers turned into points. The Jaguars scored 23 points off turnovers and got 50 points from the bench in the win.

Joyner finished with 12 points and six rebounds in his Senior Day start, while Elías Pálsson chipped in eight points in 16 minutes. Camryn Pacheco anchored the ball movement with eight assists, adding three rebounds and two steals.

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Middle Georgia was led by Krishen Atwal’s 20 points off the bench. OT Delancy added 15 points, while Trevon Ragland finished with 10. Milique Smith pulled down 10 rebounds for the Knights.

Augusta shot 49.2% from the floor (30-of-61) and hit eight threes, while Middle Georgia shot 53.2% overall but was limited to 3-of-13 from three.

Augusta returns to action Wednesday, Feb. 25, hosting the final home doubleheader of the regular season at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The Jaguars will face North Georgia at 7:30 p.m., following the women’s game at 5:30 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at AugustaJags.com.



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Augusta, GA

Balanced Scoring Attack Leads the Augusta Women to an Easy Win on Senior Day – Augusta University

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Balanced Scoring Attack Leads the Augusta Women to an Easy Win on Senior Day – Augusta University


Augusta, Ga. – Six Augusta players had at least eight points as the Augusta University women rolled Middle Georgia 69-44 on senior day at Christenberry Fieldhouse. With the win, the Jaguars clinch a first round home game in the upcoming Peach Belt Conference tournament. The Jaguars improve to 13-6 in the conference and 18-8 overall. The Knights are 9-9 in conference play and 16-9 overall.

Amari Jackson led the Jags with 15 points and eight rebounds. Quinasia Abercrombie added 11 points as did Camerah Langston, who tallied a career high. Langston also hit three three-pointers. 

The Jaguars led 31-23 at the half and then dominated the final 20 minutes outscoring the Knights 38-21. AU’s defense was outstanding and held Middle Georgia to 26% shooting for the game while the Jags hit on 47% of their shots. AU was out rebounded but forced 21 Middle Georgia turnovers. The Jaguars also went 9-18 from three-point range while the Knights made just 1 of 18.  

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Elyse Autrey and Sa’Niah Dorsey each had nine points with Cierra McGinlay added eight points in the winning effort. 

Augusta wraps up the regular season on Wednesday night when they host North Georgia with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m. 

 



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