Augusta, GA
'Built in best friend': What we know about Laken Riley
Laken Riley’s sister offers heartfelt tribute
The sister of Laken Hope Riley took to Instagram on Friday to remember her sister and “built-in best friend.” The 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student was found dead along a trail on the campus of UGA on Thursday.
ATHENS, Ga. – We’re learning more about Laken Riley, the Augusta University student who was found dead on the campus of the University of Georgia.
Riley’s younger sister, Lauren, shared a heartfelt message about Riley on Instagram, saying Riley was her “best friend.”
“The best sister and my built in best friend from the very first second,” the post reads in part. “This isn’t fair, and I will never understand it but I know you are in heaven “
Where was Laken Riley from?
Who was Laken Hope Riley?
Laken Hope Riley was an Augusta University nursing student, a graduate of River Ridge High School in Woodstock, and an avid running. The 22-year-old was found murdered on the UGA campus on Thursday. A look at the impact she made in her short life.
Riley was from Woodstock and a 2020 graduate of River Ridge High School where she ran cross country and track. The 22-year-old was first enrolled at UGA before transferring to August University to complete her nursing degree.
Cherokee County Schools superintendent Brian Hightowner described Riley as a standout athlete and student.
“Our community and our world lost a shining light. An outstanding scholar athlete, Laken inspired classmates and teachers with her love of learning and her kindness to all,” Hightower sent in a statement to FOX 5.
Woodstock City Church also sent the following statement:
We are devasted by the news of the tragic death of Laken Riley. Laken’s family are active members of our church community. Our prayers are with them, as is our support to walk alongside them through this difficult time.
Neighbors react to Augusta University student’s death
Neighbors, like Jill Harvill, who knew Riley and her family, told FOX 5 that they cannot fathom what has happened.
“We were heartbroken because we have a daughter that could very well be in the same situation. Our heart goes out to the family. I just can’t even imagine,” she said. “You think of the young ladies that you know there. It makes me worried. I grew up, my mom always said, you do everything in numbers. You never do anything by yourself and that is what I’ve taught my daughter. I am just heartbroken for the family. I can’t imagine what they are going through.
Laken Riley’s disappearance and death
UGA murder: Person of interest in death of Laken Riley
The investigation into the death of Laken Riley on the UGA campus on Thursday continues. Friday morning, police took a person of interest into custody and searched a nearby apartment complex in connection to the murder of the 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student. The latest on the investigation.
The 22-year-old nursing student was reported missing by a friend to UGA’s police department just after noon on Feb. 22 after she failed to return from a run. Her body was found a short time later near in a forested area around Lake Herrick near the Intramural Fields.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and several federal law enforcement agencies have each played roles in the investigation.
On Feb. 23, authorities had set up a mobile command center at the Argo Apartments off Milledge Avenue near Lake Herrick and UGA. That afternoon, UGA spokesperson Greg Trevor confirmed they were speaking to a person of interest.
Hours later, the university announced that a suspect had been taken into custody.
More details are expected to be released in the coming days.
Gov. Kemp offers condolences to the family of Laken Riley
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who is a UGA alum, issued a statement late Friday about the murder of Laken Riley.
“Marty, the girls, and I were truly shaken and heartbroken to learn of Laken Riley’s tragic death. Tonight, we’re thankful the [Georgia Bureau of Investigation], Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and [University of Georgia] police and other partners have taken her murderer into custody. We will not rest until justice for Laken is secured.”
TikToker cleans father’s hoarded house – and goes viral
Madison Lovelle posts videos online while going through and cleaning her childhood home after her father died.
Housing costs are often the biggest Georgians deal with every month, so it’s important to try and save money where possible.
Last week, WalletHub released its ranking of the most affordable cities to buy a home. It analyzed 300 cities based on 10 metrics, with the biggest weight going to housing affordability and cost per square foot.
Best city to buy a home in Georgia?
Augusta ranked the highest among Georgia cities, ranking 8th overall and 3rd best in the midsized cities list.
Augusta real estate prices
According to Zillow, as of March, the median list price for a house in Georgia is $205,000 with a median sale price of $187,283. About 57% of sales are under the list price.
The average rent, as of April, is $1,365 per month.
Augusta cost of living
The MIT Living Wage Calculator reports the hourly pay needed to support yourself and/or your family, assuming full-time employment. For Richmond County (Augusta), it’s $20.31 for one adult, $28.16 for a two-adult household with one working, and $14.08 for a two-adult household with both working.
Children obviously increase the wage needed. Depending on how many adults are working, the necessary pay figures may increase by up to $13 for just one child, with more needed for additional children.
Worst city to buy a home in Georgia?
The Georgia city with the lowest ranking on the list overall was Sandy Springs. However, with 300 cities, landing at No. 151 doesn’t make it nearly the worst in the nation. Sandy Springs was No. 56 on the small cities list.
What are the best cities to buy a home in US?
- Flint, MI
- Detroit, MI
- Surprise, AZ
- Yuma, AZ
- Akron, OH
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Memphis, TN
- Augusta, GA
- Indianapolis, IN
- Cleveland, OH
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Senate candidate Derek Dooley made several visits to the area on Friday.
Dooley had stops in both Lincolnton and Augusta on May 29 and was joined by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for his “Georgia First” tour. He spoke about one of the issues he finds in politics.
“But the other piece of it is the corruption. People sit on these committees. They have access to information that none of us have. And then you look up 2 or 3 years down the road and their wealth is just skyrocketing,” Dooley said. “You’re outperforming every investor out there. And I think it’s shameful. I think it erodes trust. It’s something that I will never do.”
“Politicians were out there getting paid. They were coming back home. They’re raising money and campaigning while the government shut down,” Kemp said. “What Derek’s saying, if he’s up there, we’re not going to allow legislators to get paid. We’re going to take away their benefits. That way, you won’t ever have another shutdown again.”
Dooley is facing Congressman Mike Collins in a runoff for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.
The winner of the Republican nomination will face incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff in November.
Photojournalist credit: Regynal McKie
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A man has been arrested after he was accused of hitting two women at Piedmont Hospital in Augusta.
The incident happened on May 14 around 12 a.m.
According to arrest warrants, Bruce Bland struck one victim with a closed hand several times in the face. Bland also threw a garbage can at the victim, hitting her in the head.
The warrant states the victim suffered a bruise on her face.
Bland also hit another victim with a closed hand on her mouth, according to the warrants. She suffered swelling and a bruise on her mouth.
Bland is charged with battery and simple battery, according to the warrants. Both charges are misdemeanors.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
-
Education13 seconds agoVideo: Can California Convince Teens to Work in Construction?
-
Technology12 minutes agoBackrooms is a certified blockbuster with a $38 million opening day
-
World15 minutes agoHamas struggles to fill leadership ranks as Israel hunts Oct 7 terrorists
-
Politics20 minutes agoAnti-ICE agitator charged with allegedly biting officers during Delaney Hall clashes
-
Health27 minutes agoWhat to do if someone is having a stroke, after Jill Biden revealed debate-night fears
-
Sports30 minutes agoDispatch audio reveals what was heard inside Josh Jacobs’ home before alleged domestic violence arrest
-
Technology35 minutes agoCab-less electric trucks hit Ohio roads
-
Business42 minutes agoVince McMahon and others are sanctioned for destroying evidence in WWE shareholder lawsuit
