Augusta, GA
‘I’ll kill both of them’: Augustan arrested after threatening victim’s kids
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A 29-year-old suspect was arrested on Thursday after being accused of terroristic threats and acts along with possession of a firearm during a crime, according to authorities.
Authorities say Zavier Lanier Jones was wanted for two counts of terroristic threats and acts and possession of a firearm during a crime for an incident that occurred on June 20 in the 3200 block of Wrightsboro Road.
Authorities say that around 9 a.m., the victim said he was walking into Smart Grocery when Jones shielded his face with his hoodie and then brushed against him as he walked by.
Jones then started acting belligerent and making verbal threats in an attempt to goad him into a fight, the victim told authorities.
The victim told authorities that he had known Jones previously before the incident. He said knowing how Jones is, he did his best to simply ignore Jones.
However, the victim stated that just seemed to anger Jones more.
Jones began to walk away towards Church’s Chicken, but was still verbally threatening him, the victim told authorities.
The victim stated Jones threatened to shoot him while pulling out a gun from his bag, pointed it at him, and said that he “had something for him.”
Later, the victim was informed that Jones was sending and posting threatening messages towards him and his children.

In another message, Jones stated he was mad at the victim for ignoring him earlier and that he would do something to him if he saw him again.
The message went on to state that Jones was “looking at” his kids now and that he would “shoot them in the mouth if he could.”
Authorities also found messages from Jones saying, “I’m homeless and it’s my birthday and I’ll kill both of them.”
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Geoff Duncan campaigns in Augusta ahead of Election Day
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan campaigned in Augusta ahead of Election Day, making stops at two churches and meeting with local faith leaders.
The former lieutenant governor visited Good Hope Baptist Church on Cedar Street, where he spoke with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition’s “Music to the Polls” group.
Duncan told us that, if elected governor, he wants to expand Medicaid, pass what he called “common-sense gun legislation,” and create more economic opportunities statewide. He also pointed to affordability concerns impacting families and businesses.
“I want to take $1.7 billion of our state’s fund and wrap it around the axle of poverty,” Duncan said, adding that he wants to lower child care costs and improve temporary assistance programs.
Duncan also stopped at Miles Memorial Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
What is the cheapest city in Georgia to live with a roomate?
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
Augusta, GA
Augusta nonprofit hosts family financial literacy day
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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