Augusta, GA
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.
“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.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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