Augusta, GA

2 get life terms in separate Augusta murder cases

Published

2 years ago

January 25, 2024

2 get life terms in separate Augusta murder cases

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta District Attorney Jared Williams announced life sentences for two killers this week – one for a gang member who shot a young man and another for the murderer of a gender-nonconforming local resident.

On Monday, a case set for trial resulted in a last-minute guilty plea.

The defendant, Ronald Harris, murdered John Scott Devore also known in the community as Scottlynn Devore.

The murder took place on March 12, 2020, and the defendant disposed of the body in Jefferson County, a vehicle in McDuffie County, and the victim’s phone in Richmond County.

John Scott Devore(WRDW)

“I had the time to uncover additional evidence and prepare the best case,” Waystack said. “That preparation led to this murderer spending the rest of his life in prison.”

The defendant pleaded guilty to the indictment: malice murder, felony murder, burglary in the first degree and concealing the death of another.

He received a sentence of life plus 30 years concurrent.

The defendant’s wife, Margaret Elaine Harris, had previously pleaded guilty to burglary and concealing the death, receiving a sentence of 30 years, with the first 20 to be served in confinement.

Late Wednesday evening, a Richmond County jury returned a verdict against Jamarius Walker for the murder of Laney High School graduate Antonio Geter, 21.

Geter was shot in the 2500 block of San Sebastian Court in April 2020.

That year, a murder indictment was issued.

However, after a gang link was found, prosecutors to re-indict the case to add four criminal street gang terrorism charges.

Walker was found guilty of all 10 counts presented to the jury.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 20 years.

“This verdict signifies that our community stands with the District Attorney’s Office in the fight against dangerous gangs,” Williams said.

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Augusta, GA

FBI agents identify chemical used in Georgia acid attack

Published

57 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Press Room

FBI agents identify chemical used in Georgia acid attack

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The FBI agents have confirmed that they’ve identified the chemical used in a Georgia acid attack.

Just last month, Ashley Wasielewski was walking around Forsyth Park in Savannah when a man hiding in the shadows near Whitaker Street suddenly came out and attacked Wasielewski with an unknown chemical substance.

Despite the hardship she’s been through and that lies ahead, Ashley Wasielewski is smiling in a photo from her hospital bed.(Contributed)

Sources close to the investigation say that liquid melted through Wasielewski’s clothing and headphones and left her with severe burns.

On Friday, the FBI released that they now know what that substance was but are not releasing the name of the substance to the public at this time.

FBI officials say that SLED assisted and did the testing on behalf of the the organization.

Agents are also following up on leads now that the substance has been identified.

Just days after the attack, more than $260,000 had been raised for Wasielewski, who was recovering at a burn center in Augusta.

One of Ashley’s friends, Kristen Oddi organized a GoFundMe to help pay for Wasielewski’s extensive medical care.

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Augusta, GA

Another name joins Augusta mayor race

Published

13 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Press Room

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta mayor race now has three candidates as another person has announced their candidacy.

Eric Gaines, who’s on the charter review committee and is a local real estate investor, announced on Sunday that he is running for mayor on Sunday.

He said in a Facebook post that his campaign is built on a simple idea: People before politics.

Transparent leadership you do not have to decode.
Accessible government that listens instead of lectures.
Decisions based on what actually improves lives not what protects careers.

“I’m not running because someone tapped me on the shoulder. I’m not running because a political machine told me it was my turn. And I’m definitely not running because I raised a mountain of cash behind closed doors,” he said.

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Augusta, GA

Georgia Lt. Gov candidate Rep. David Clark visits Augusta

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2026

Press Room

Georgia Lt. Gov candidate Rep. David Clark visits Augusta

Georgia Lt. Gov candidate state Rep. David Clark made a stop in Augusta Saturday. He says that some of his priorities if he wins include expanding school choice, eliminating the state income and property taxes, and reaching out to younger voters.

Clark is also an Army veteran, who served overseas. He hopes to represent all Georgians.

“Before politics and parties we’re Americans, we’re Georgians. That’s the biggest thing. People want someone who stands up and listens to people,” said Clark.

“I’m not saying we’re always going to agree, but in the end—we’re the American family, we’re the Georgian family.”

The Georgia primary will take place on May 19th, and the general election will be on November 3rd.

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