Augusta, GA
2 killed, 4 hurt in shooting at motorcycle club event in Georgia
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT/Gray News) – A weekend shooting left two dead and four others injured Saturday evening stemmed from a dispute between two motorcycle clubs, Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree said in a news conference on Monday.
Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen identified those who died as Keith Coates, 30, of Valdosta, and Germayne Farrell, 51, of Daytona Beach, Florida.
Roundtree said this shooting adds Augusta to the list of over 280 mass shootings seen so far in 2023.
“Gun violence has risen nationwide this year, and sadly, Augusta is not exempt,” said Roundtree.
The shooting occurred at the clubhouse of the Outcast Motorcycle Club and involved members of that club and the rival Thug Riders.
Roundtree says 10 suspects were arrested and charged with two counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault. Three are still receiving treatment, including Deja Dotson and Jonathan Keaton, who have arrest warrants issued. Only one suspect has a local address.
Roundtree says the city hosted the Augusta Air Show and Mayfest, and several Thug Rider members attended before traveling to the Outcast clubhouse.
“We didn’t know that trouble was coming to our city. We didn’t know that trouble was already in our city,” he said.
The suspects range in age from 44 to 26, and hailed from Georgia, North Carolina and Florida. Four suspects were a part of the Outcast Motorcycle Club, and eight were Thug Riders.
Roundtree confirmed a fire vehicle ran over a dead body on the scene. He said fire personnel did not see the person, and the agency has a traffic report that is not yet available for release.
“To bring this type of violence to our city, to add us to a national mass shooting list is unconscionable. This is something we will not tolerate here in Richmond County. That is why each individual who is involved or we feel to be involved or has any part in this will face charges,” he said.
He says there was no lack of police presence in the city. Roundtree said they had more deputies on the roads because they were leaving two events.
At least 20 officers were on the scene, and he said you could hear gunfire from a few blocks away.
“While this incident of violence is horrific, and many of the other tragic incidents that have occurred in this country and will still occur … my light will continue to push forward in the confidence that I have in the men and women of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Richmond County,” said Roundtree.
Investigators found more than 150 shell casings on the scene. Roundtree says this was an “extremely large scene,” and kids were playing outside in a neighborhood right down the street.
“With 150 rounds, I’m sure it was more than two individuals,” he said.
Officials said they believe people from Florida traveled three to four hours to engage in the targeted attack. They believe it stemmed from a recent incident that started in Florida, but additional information on that wasn’t released.
In response to the shooting, regional affiliates with the clubs were mobilizing to retaliate again in Augusta, Roundtree said. The sheriff’s office briefed Mayor Garnett Johnson and other city officials about the potential threat of another major shooting. The sheriff says there’s still an ongoing threat, but they’re prepared.
“We continue to monitor this situation in real-time, and we will advise the public of any confirmed threat if they develop,” said Roundtree.
He said 13 motorcycles were taken into evidence, along with one car and 10 firearms. Weapons were found inside the clubhouse, vehicles and nearby businesses from when the suspects fled the scene.
One Richmond County patrol car was also hit in the shooting.
Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
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Augusta, GA
Salvation Army making it’s final push to meet their fundraising goal
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The ringing bells are coming to an end.
The Salvation Army of Augusta is making the last push on Christmas Eve to meet their fundraising goal and change your perspective of what homelessness looks like here at home.
They’re even playing instruments to help make a difference in the community.
“We try to make it so that they can also enjoy this time of the year, just like anyone,” said Janelys Villalta, Salvation Army marketing and public relations manager.
They have been raising money all year long, but especially around the holiday season.
“It’s Christmas and we are very conscious of that with the clients that we do have staying at the shelter,” said Villalta. “We want them to feel like anyone else would want to feel this holiday season. We want them to be surrounded by love and joy.”
Spreading happiness in any way they can.
“What we’ve seen in the last two or three years is a shift,” said Jonathan Raymer, Salvation Army major and area commander. “So often when we think of homelessness, we think of the homeless man who’s out. But half of the people staying at our Center of Hope are women and children and so we’ve seen an increase in women and children needing housing, and experiencing homelessness.”
Raymer says ⅔ of them have a job, but just not enough to sustain a place to live so anything you would be willing to give could even be life-changing.
“If you donate $20, that actually will shelter a family of four for four nights,” said Raymer.
Passing along hope and love to everyone this holiday season.
“All of that stays here local, all of that goes to support what we’re doing at our Center of Hope where in the past two years, we’ve been able to move 300 people from homelessness to being housed,” said Raymer. “This year, we’ve been able to help 600 people stay in their homes so it goes to a very good cause and helping those in need.”
You can still donate online at their website here.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Barry Charles Robinette Obituary 2024 – Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors
Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Monday, December 23, 2024, Barry Charles Robinette, 73, loving husband of 35 years to Gina S. Robinette.
Barry was a lifelong native of Augusta, Georgia. He retired from the Bank of America and was currently working at Trenton Correctional Institute for the last13 years. He was active in his church, Abilene Baptist. He loved to spend time with his family. They loved to celebrate life together, and they loved their Lord. He was a good,good husband, daddy, and brother. He gave 100%and more to faithfully leading his family in the love of Jesus Christ, their Savior. He will be forever cherished and always loved. Barry is praising his Savior and waiting for the day that we will join him.
Family members in addition to his wife, include his children: Heather Robinette and Charles Robinette; sister: Shirley Weathers (Michael). He was preceded in death by his parents and Fred and Helen Robinette.
The funeral service will be held Friday, December 27, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Rev. Terry Doss officiating. Interment will be private.
The Robinette family is so thankful for the support they have received from Abilene Baptist Church, specifically their Sunday School class. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in memory of Barry Robinette to Abilene Baptist Church, 3917 Washington Road, Martinez, GA 30907.
The family will receive friends Friday, at 10 AM at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com
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