Augusta, GA
Deputies respond to alleged double murder-suicide in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Coroner’s Office responded to the 600 block of Bennock Mill Road at 1:04 p.m. Sunday in reference to 3 deaths, which appears to be a double murder-suicide.
Upon arrival, three bodies were located inside the residence, officials say.
The sheriff’s office said initial investigations indicate the incident is a double murder and suicide among family members.
The Richmond County criminal investigations division and crime scene unit also responded to the residence.
Autopsies have been scheduled, and no further information is available at this time.
Officials say there is no danger to the public.
This would mark the CSRA’s fourth murder-suicide in 2025.
On April 8, officials said they found a married couple dead in their home on Springwood Drive; both had gunshot wounds.
On March 28, authorities say 71-year-old Keith Jones shot his girlfriend, 67-year-old Kathy Hydrick, and then turned the gun on himself at their home on Walnut Court.
On April 4, the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office announced that a deadly shooting at Valley Proteins Inc. was confirmed as a murder-suicide.
Deputies responded to the facility in Ward shortly before 6 p.m. Monday, where they discovered 44-year-old Willie Hopkins Jr. and 52-year-old Kimberly Leon dead.
The autopsy verified that Leon was shot multiple times by Hopkins before he turned the gun on himself.
While each story is different, and we don’t know the circumstances surrounding this most recent case, there are local groups working to teach others about the warning signs.
Copyright 2025 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.
-
Nevada35 seconds agoWinter Storm Watch For The Upper Sierra Nevada – myMotherLode.com
-
New Hampshire7 minutes ago
TRAENE Fitness Pickleball Brings Pickleball Courts And Wellness Options To Dover
-
New Jersey13 minutes agoACLU featured at Bruce Springsteen No Kings show in New Jersey
-
New Mexico19 minutes agoLandlord AC ordinance, Rio Grande water levels, Spotty rain, New legislative office, New Mexico Motorfest
-
North Carolina25 minutes agoShooting in park near North Carolina school leaves two dead and several hurt
-
North Dakota31 minutes agoSBHE to Review Ray Richards Alterations
-
Ohio37 minutes agoRanked choice voting ban silences Ohio voters | Opinion
-
Oklahoma43 minutes agoOklahoma launches program letting adults use past credits, test scores to earn diplomas