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34-year-old and 32-year-old ID’d in related Augusta fatal shootings

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34-year-old and 32-year-old ID’d in related Augusta fatal shootings


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Coroner has identified two victims after two related shooting incidents in Augusta, we learned on Friday.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office responded to Wellstar/MCG about a shooting death.

Jeremy Dontavious McGahee, 34, of Augsuta was transported to Wellstar/MCG by EMS from the 2100 block of C Street with at least one gunshot wound, Coroner Mark Bowen said.

He was pronounced dead at 8:28 p.m., Bowen says. An autopsy has been scheduled.

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The Coroner’s Office also responded to the 2100 block of C Street about a possible suicide.

Zyquan Jamarcus Franklin, 32, of Augusta, was found inside a residence with at least one gunshot wound and pronounced dead on the scene at 12:15 a.m. Bowen said. An autopsy has been scheduled.

Bowen says these cases are connected and in the early stages of investigation. Once the next of kin has been notified, the victim’s identification will be released.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to C Street around 9:34 p.m. about shots fired with two people down.

Deputies say upon arrival, they located one male and one female subject who had been shot at least one time.

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Both victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment, where the male victim succumbed to his injuries.

The sheriff’s office says investigators are still on scene as of 11 p.m.

Also on Thursday, 50-year-old Chavious Kimmerlin was shot dead in his home on Highland Avenue.

Gary Abraham

The shooting comes amid a two-year outbreak of violent crime that’s claimed more than 180 lives across the CSRA.

Cities large and small have been affected on both sides of the Savannah River. But as the largest community in the region, Augusta has been hit especially hard.

Authorities have blamed much of the problem on gangs.

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Augusta, GA

25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive

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25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.

Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.

While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.

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Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.

The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.

As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

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Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.

The following individuals were indicted:

(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)

  • Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine;  Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
  • Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.

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South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

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South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern


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  • Two large wildfires in south Georgia have burned approximately 54,000 acres and are now 90% contained.
  • Suppression costs for the fires are estimated to exceed $18.3 million, with crews still managing hot spots.
  • Georgia remains in an extreme drought, increasing the risk of fires throughout the summer.

Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.

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However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.

Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.

“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”

Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.

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As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.

The state remains in an extreme drought.

“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”

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This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.



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