Augusta, GA
Double murder outside Augusta Best Buy: What we know
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Family members and local residents are searching for answers after an apparent domestic dispute ended with the murder of a 37-year-old and her mother in an Augusta parking lot.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says 37-year-old Melissa Cui Domingo and 74-year-old Elizabeth Cui Domingo, both of Evans, died from gunshot wounds on Sunday evening.
A memorial stands at the scene in their honor. Saying, ‘forever in our hearts,’ ’You will forever be missed,’ ‘I love you’ and ‘Fly high, Mom.’
Ever since the incident, social media has been flooded with posts, even outside of Augusta, wondering why and how this could have happened.
Melissa Domingo’s ex-husband is set to face charges for Sunday night’s double murder, which happened just days after she was cleared of charges for shooting the suspect three years ago in what a court found was self-defense.
In August, a judge granted Melissa Domingo immunity in the case after she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, battered person disorder and other problems from years of abuse and control.
The suspect, 37-year-old Hajir Talebzadeh, suffered in Sunday’s incident and was taken to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, where he is listed as stable.
The deadly shooting was reported at 6:12 p.m. Sunday outside the store on Walton Way Extension. The Domingos were pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m.
According to previous reports, Talebzadeh and Melissa Domingo were married but got divorced in November 2024, court records show.
Deputies responded to the scene within minutes of the first call.
While on the scene, they found the mother and daughter suffering gunshot wounds.
A young child, Melissa’s 6-year-old son, was present but not injured. Augusta Fire Department firefighters and deputies remained with him until child welfare workers arrived.
“Our hearts go out to the child who was present during this senseless tragedy,” Sheriff Eugene Brantley said in a statement. “No child should ever have to experience such trauma. As a community, we must come together to support him and others who are affected.”
“Based on witness statements and camera evidence, investigators have determined this was a domestic-related incident. Currently, there is no known threat to the public,” said Lewis Blanchard, chief deputy with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
It appeared to be custody exchange, but that’s not official.
Witnesses say the shooting occurred near the back of the parking lot.
Multiple police and unmarked cars responded to the scene, along with emergency medical crews.
Along with deputies, the Georgia State Patrol aviation unit also responded to the scene.
“Violence is never the answer to our problems—it only leaves behind grief, pain, and broken families,“ Brantley said. ”The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working with our community to prevent violence and ensure safety for every resident.”
Once released from the hospital, Talebzadeh will be transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. Deputies said warrants are being obtained on Talebzadeh for murder.
Family, friends and co-workers describe Melissa as a devoted mother, daughter and sister. And they describe Elizabeth as someone gentle, loving and devoted to her church.
In a statement, Belair Dental Associates, where Melissa worked, said:
“We are heartbroken to share that a tragic incident occurred outside of our office that claimed the lives of one of our team members and their mother. Our entire dental family is devastated by this loss, and our hearts go out to their loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.”
On Facebook, they also said the loss has tremendously affected their team and their office will be temporarily closed, allowing those close to Melissa and Elizabeth to mourn this unexpected loss.
If you or someone you know is in danger, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Brent McMillian is being appointed as the new director of athletics at Augusta University, President Russell Keen announced Monday.
McMillian will begin the role on June 8, 2026.
According to AU, McMillian brings 13 years of athletics experience to the position. He previously served as Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Engagement and Revenue Generation at Lipscomb University at Nashville.
“His vision aligns seamlessly with our goals for Jaguar Athletics: to champion student-athlete wellbeing, strengthen our competitive success, deepen community engagement, and build a vibrant, spirited campus culture,” Keen said. “His experience, combined with his personal connection to Augusta University, positions him to hit the ground running in a meaningful way.”
McMillian is a graduate of Greenbrier High School and attended Augusta University before completing his degree at the University of Tennessee.
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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local restaurants hosted brunches for Mother’s Day, allowing neighbors to celebrate the day with the special women in their lives.
The Brunch House of Augusta on Greene Street hosted a brunch. The restaurant served berry pancakes and French toast, waffles, ham and cheese breakfast sliders and more breakfast foods.
One of the owners said the holidays are a great time for them to make connections with the community.
“We just had a group here come here that’s been coming here every year Mother’s Day for three years, every year basically since we’ve been open, they come in every year for Mother’s Day. We have people from out of town come and travel and visit us, so it’s definitely building that connection,” said Ashley Brown, co-owner of The Brunch House of Augusta.
Brown said they will be offering some specials for the upcoming Juneteenth holiday next month.
The Frog and the Hen also hosted a Mother’s Day brunch. The restaurant had about 350 people come in as of around 3 p.m.
They served foods like fried chicken, cheddar biscuits, French toast casserole and more.
The general manager said she enjoys seeing families come in for holidays like Mother’s Day.
“I feel like these are all my children here, so I feel like this day just in general, like I get to be the mother here, and so this is like I’m mother hen, so I get to take care of all this. I love supporting all the people as well and just being able to get the best food possible, the best chicken everywhere,” said Sheridan Roberts, general manager of Frog and the Hen.
Roberts said they often have to stop making reservations a few weeks ahead of the holiday due to the amount they receive.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Dr. Russell Ray Moores, 91, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at home, surrounded by family in Augusta Georgia. Born on February 25, 1935, in Webster Grove, Missouri, to Floyd Russell Moores and Dorotha Campbell Moores, he lived a life marked by dedication to his family, education, and community.
Dr. Moores’ academic journey began at Arkansas State University and continued at the Medical College of Arkansas, where he graduated in 1958 at the age of 23. His post-graduate training took him to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York; Barnes Hospital in St Louis; and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he spent two years. Following his time at NIH and 2 years of active-duty service in the US Navy in Oakland, Ca., Dr. Moores joined the faculty at the Medical College of Georgia as a Hematologist/Oncologist. Over the course of an extraordinary 50-year career, he rose to the rank of Professor Emeritus before retiring at the age of 80. In addition to his academic contributions, he served as medical director for St. Joseph Hospice during the 1990’s and traveled extensively across the United States and abroad as a distinguished lecturer.
Dr. Moores was deeply committed to his Catholic faith throughout his life and was a founder of St Ignatius Antioch Melkite Catholic Church in Augusta. His passion for service extended beyond medicine and faith into numerous cultural and civic endeavors. He was the General Manager of the Augusta Opera during the 1970’s and played a pivotal role as a founder of the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival. A dedicated historian and genealogist, he served as president of the Augusta Genealogical Society for many years and was actively involved in historic preservation efforts. Dr. Moores also contributed his expertise as a member of both the original Coliseum Authority and the Board of the Parapsychology Lab in Durham N.C.
An individual with diverse interests and talents, Dr. Moores loved running and completed numerous marathons and ultra-marathons over his lifetime. He was an accomplished harpsichord player who also enjoyed studying foreign languages and had a deep appreciation for fine wine.
Dr. Moores is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Helen Dorothy Byrnes Moores; their children: Russell Jr., along with his wife Missey; Darryl; Cheryl Priessman; Sean, along with his wife Danielle; Christian, along with his wife Mary Ann; Duane; and Doreen Worden, along with her husband Greg; as well as grandchildren Damian, Aaron, Colleen, Noah, Scott, Austin, Ian, Alysha, Trevor, Clayton, and Addy; and 5 great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sister Marjorie Marilyn Anderson; but leaves behind countless cherished memories for those who knew him.
Special thanks are extended to Trinity Hospice and the Southern Touch Homecare for their outstanding care during Dr. Moores’ final months.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in honor of his legacy.
May Dr. Russell Ray Moores’ memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know him. A man whose life was defined by love for others and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in every sphere he touched. He was “practically perfect in every way”.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 15, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Fr. Mark Ross officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 P.M., at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com
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