AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A 25-year-old dad is facing a cruelty to children charge after the death of his son, according to a report from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

On Nov. 9, 2024, deputies say they responded to the 2100 block of Margaret Court in reference to a suspicious situation.

On scene, deputies met with the complainant, Maurice Jonathon Sturgis, who said he found his son unresponsive when he woke up.

Sturgis told deputies that he went to sleep on the couch next to him the night prior and is unsure of when they went to sleep.

According to deputies, Sturgis woke up and noticed his son was stiff and not breathing and began to do CPR to the best of his ability and called 911.

The incident report states that the son had no chronic health complications or illnesses. Sturgis told deputies that no one else was in the residence except another family member.

The deputy coroner gave a time of death of 1:22 a.m., according to the incident report.

Meanwhile, Strugis, 25, was arrested on Tuesday, according to jail bookings.

Sturgis is charged with cruelty to children in the second degree.

We’ve reached out to the Richmond County Coroner’s Office for more information on the death of the child.

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AUGUSTA, GA – Augusta University’s Spirit Teams are excited to announce tryouts for the 2025-2026 Cheer and Dance Teams! Tryouts will take place from April 25-27 2025, and all participants must attend all three days to be considered for the team.

Tryout Details:

Dates: April 25-27, 2025
Location: Christenberry Fieldhouse
Tryout Fee: $25 (non-refundable)
Contact Email: spiritteams@augusta.edu

Dance Team Requirements: Double turn, leaps, and a calypso. (Highly preferred Skills: Aerials, Turning disks, kip ups, headsprings, turns in second, or other unique jumps and tumbling) 
Dance Team Tryout Material: Sideline dance, two mini routines, a spirit routine, and a 30 second solo showcasing unique skills. (Every person trying out will have the same music, that will be released after registration closes)

Cheer Team Requirements: Stunts: Extension lib, pop-offs, full downs, extension press to lib with a full down. (No required tumbling skills, but running and standing tumbling are highly preferred)
Cheer Team Tryout Material: 2 cheers, a spirit routine, and the fight song. (Skills will be showcased during the tryout)

The tryout schedule will be released soon. Participants should be prepared to showcase their skills, learn new material, and demonstrate their school spirit and teamwork.

Augusta University’s Cheer and Dance Teams are a dynamic part of the university’s athletic and school spirit programs. Team members have the opportunity to represent AU at athletic events, competitions, and community engagements throughout the year.

We welcome all interested students to join us for this exciting opportunity! If your unable to make it but interested in trying out, let us know! For questions or further details, please reach out to spiritteams@augusta.edu.