Augusta, GA
Augusta suspect arrested after 2022 Olmstead Homes murder
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A fourth suspect is now in custody, and another remains sought by Florida deputies after an October 2022 murder in Augusta.
Lawrence Markese Stephens, 21, was booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on Wednesday on a grand jury arrest warrant.
We’ve requested an updated mugshot for Stephens from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office released a wanted poster for Stephens in January 2023.
At that time, Stephens had active warrants for murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, deputies said.
Another suspect in the October 2022 murder at the Olmstead Homes is thought to be in Florida.
Authorities in Clay County, just south of Jacksonville, sent out an alert that Jamari K. Williams, 20, was believed to be in the Orange Park area.
Both are suspects in the Oct. 15, 2022, fatal shooting of 22-year-old Kyan Michael Bowie in the 2100 block of B Street.
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Bowie was shot around 9:20 p.m. while sitting in a white Kia and died at a hospital.
Williams is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall with short dreadlocked hair and weighing 150 pounds.
Previously arrested were Jaquez Kiandre Davis, Diriuss Antonio Redd Jr. and Evyn O’Conner.
Anyone with information on Williams, contact Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904-264-6512. People can remain anonymous and submit a SaferWatch tip or contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477) and be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $3,000 if the information given in the tip leads to an arrest.
Copyright 2022 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.
Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.
After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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