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. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta’s Red Kettle Campaign is working to close a $100,000 gap before Christmas Eve.
With just 11 days left in the 2025 Red Kettle Campaign, the Salvation Army of Augusta is urging the community to rally together.
The Red Kettle Campaign is the largest fundraiser of the year for The Salvation Army.
The campaign funds programs and services that support neighbors in need throughout the entire year.
Every penny donated through the Red Kettles stays in the Augusta area, ensuring local impact.
Proceeds from the campaign directly support the Center of Hope. In addition to providing a safe place to sleep, the Center of Hope operates a soup kitchen that serves approximately 200 meals every day.
In the past year, the Salvation Army has assisted more than 900 local residents through its rent and utility assistance program.
“The Red Kettle represents so much more than a simple donation—it represents hope for families right here in our community,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Augusta.
“Every dollar dropped into the kettle helps provide shelter, meals, case management, and stability for our neighbors who need it most. With just days left in this campaign, we are asking the CSRA to show up in a big way.”
The Salvation Army of Augusta is encouraging community members to donate when they see a Red Kettle. For those who are cashless, donations can be made online at donateaugusta.org.
If you would like to volunteer for the Red Kettle Campaign, visit ringforhope.org.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Homeless Task Force held its last meeting of the year with leaders from the largest services for the homeless population in Augusta attending.
The room was full of people from organizations that serve the homeless community. As they finished their final meeting of 2025, leaders discussed some of the biggest issues they’re facing.
“Collaborate more, our people benefit when we do that,” said Nomi Stanton, chair of the task force and executive director of GAP Ministries.
The group focused on the upcoming PIT count, keeping the community safe in cold weather, and finding funding in 2026 to keep helping the people they serve.
“It’s what we do to take care of each other. And we want to make sure that all of our neighbors are recognized,” Stanton said.
Brittany Burnett, president and CEO of United Way, addressed funding challenges facing the community.
“We haven’t had the funds that our community deserves, and we’re trying to turn that around now,” Burnett said.
As the weather gets colder, services focus on getting information out about warming centers that help keep the homeless population safe in cold temperatures, including May Park, which is open overnight.
Services like those the United Way offers are important in the winter.
“Unfortunately, for some kids in our community, they go to school first to eat, second to learn. And so when you have a holiday break, then you take out two big components, eating and learning are both not available,” Burnett said.
As they look to continue helping people in the community who need them most, leaders emphasized the importance of working together.
“In this room, it allows us all to come together. That makes us stronger, but in like the best, most loving way,” Stanton said.
Leaders said that as the face of homelessness changes, they continue to expand their services and ways to help.
The homeless task force meetings are open to the community. Their next meeting will be in January.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County deputies are looking for a woman wanted in connection to a shooting incident in November.
Deputies say 37-year-old Evita Nicole Dozier is wanted for aggravated assault after a shooting on November 23 around 9:34 p.m.
The shooting incident happened on the 2700 block of Brenda Court.
Deputies say while on scene, they learned two woman were involved in a verbal altercation that turned physical.
During the physical altercation, a gun was pulled out with one of the females, shooting the other at least one time, according to deputies.
Deputies say Dozier should be considered armed and dangerous.
She is known to frequent the 900 block of Wrightsboro Road and change her hairstyle and hair color, according to deputies.
Dozier has active arrest warrants on file for this incident, deputies say.
If you have any information, call the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Cowgirls play at Minnesota on Sunday
Cryptocurrency Company Tether Bids For Italian Soccer Club Juventus
Plano-Based Finance of America Announces $2.5B Partnership with Funds Managed by Blue Owl to Expand FOA’s Home Equity Lending
The Case for Ditching Your Fitness Trackers
Dust Bunny
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Republican House leader signals plan to begin contempt proceedings against Bill and Hillary Clinton
Three years on, former MEP Kaili remains in limbo still awaiting trial
Afghan CIA fighters face stark reality in the U.S. : Consider This from NPR
Video: Behind the Supreme Court’s Push to Expand Presidential Power
Kilmar Abrego Garcia seen for first time since release, pledges to ‘continue to fight’ Trump admin
-
Alaska6 days agoHowling Mat-Su winds leave thousands without power
-
Ohio1 week agoWho do the Ohio State Buckeyes hire as the next offensive coordinator?
-
Texas6 days agoTexas Tech football vs BYU live updates, start time, TV channel for Big 12 title
-
Washington3 days agoLIVE UPDATES: Mudslide, road closures across Western Washington
-
Iowa5 days agoMatt Campbell reportedly bringing longtime Iowa State staffer to Penn State as 1st hire
-
Miami, FL6 days agoUrban Meyer, Brady Quinn get in heated exchange during Alabama, Notre Dame, Miami CFP discussion
-
Cleveland, OH5 days agoMan shot, killed at downtown Cleveland nightclub: EMS
-
World5 days ago
Chiefs’ offensive line woes deepen as Wanya Morris exits with knee injury against Texans
