3 get life in prison for murder of Augusta smoke shop owner

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Three men have been sentenced to life in prison for last year’s murder of an Augusta smoke shop owner.

Antwan Herndon, Terrance Walker and Terry McClennon all entered guilty pleas in early December in the murder of Abdallah Rubeha, 29.

The murder happened during a robbery at the smoke shop, 2303 Lumpkin Road, around 9:30 p.m. Jan. 10, 2025.

PHOTO GALLERY: SUSPECTS IN SMOKE SHOP MURDER

According to the prosecution, the crime unfolded after the three suspects got into a car owned by Walker’s grandmother and drove from Burke County to Richmond County.

McClennon stayed in the car while Herndon and Walker went inside the smoke shop, authorities said.

The prosecution said Walker pointed the gun at Rubeha and asked him if he was “ready to die tonight.”

With the victim unwilling to open the cash register, Walker then shot him in the face “point blank,” according to the prosecution.

The prosecution said Rubeha fell to the floor near the cash register and Herndon then jumped over the counter to get to the register.

The suspects all began traveling back to Burke County, stopping at two gas stations to spend the stolen money, according to prosecutors.

Deputies in Burke County pursued the vehicle in a high-speed chase, which turned into a foot pursuit.

Walker was captured as he was running on foot, while Herndon and McClennon were taken into custody later.

According to court records:

• Walker pleaded guilty to malice murder, armed robbery and three firearm-possession offenses.
• McClennon pleaded guilty to felony murder, armed robbery and two firearm-possession offenses.
• Herndon pleaded guilty to felony murder.

The murder sent shockwaves through south Augusta at the time.

“Just a sweet soul was taken from everybody, and he didn’t deserve it,” said Mia Posey, Rubeha’s friend who owned a business nearby.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.