AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A body was found Monday morning behind a south Augusta house, and authorities are investigating it as a suspicious death.

It happened sometime before 10 a.m. behind a house in the 3000 block of Abelia Drive. That’s in the Windsor Spring Estates south of Lumpkin Road. Abelia Drive is parallel to Mike Padgett Highway and runs between Windsor Spring Road and Lumpkin.

Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen said it’s being investigated as a suspicious death.

The discovery comes amid an outbreak of violent crime that’s claimed more than 170 lives in a little over two years across the CSRA.

The crime outbreak has affected communities large and small, but as the biggest city in the region, Augusta has been hit especially hard.

Authorities have blamed much of the problem on gangs.

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The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for the Friday night homicide that occurred on the 2600 block of Peach Orchard Road.

Kieran Walters was named as the suspect and there is an active warrant out for his arrest.

Walters is considered armed and dangerous. He is known to frequent the Harrisburg Neighborhood in Richmond County.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking that any information related to the matter be sent to Inv. Tyler Steerman, or any Violent Crimes Investigator with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (706) 821-1026 or (706) 821-1020.

Updated: July 6, 2024, 09:30 AM.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a young man late Friday night.

At approximately 10:55 p.m. Friday, deputies responded to a report at a local hospital concerning a male victim who had suffered gunshot wounds. The victim, identified as Sadiq Brown, 16 years old from Wrens, had been transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries at 11:34 p.m. Friday.

Preliminary investigations have determined that the shooting took place in the parking lot of 2622 Peach Orchard Road, listed online as A Town Wings. According to reports, Brown was shot at least once before being rushed to Piedmont Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities say Brown was reportedly killed during a marijuana deal.

The RCSO has deployed investigators to the scene and is currently gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation, and no suspects have been announced at this time.

An autopsy has been scheduled as part of the ongoing investigation to determine the precise cause and manner of Brown’s death. Further details will be released as they become available.

Late Wednesday night, tragedy struck the Nine Two Six West Apartments in Augusta as a devastating fire tore through an apartment building, leaving multiple families displaced and in shock.

The incident, which unfolded shortly before 11 PM, drew a massive response from local police and the fire department, with reports indicating a scene engulfed in flames and thick smoke.

Residents like Vanessa Holden recounted her disbelief as she came back home that night. “I came out here and all I could do was just watch everything go to pieces,” Holden, highlighted the emotional toll and financial strain now facing her and others affected.

Eyewitness Alexis Johnson described the chaotic scene as emergency vehicles arrived at the complex. “We saw like maybe 20 to 30 emergency vehicles. It was just completely ablaze. Smoke was everywhere… It was hard to breathe,” Alexis recalled, painting a vivid picture of the intense firefighting efforts amidst the holiday backdrop.

Authorities received an initial call reporting sounds of fireworks hours before the fire broke out, prompting speculation about a possible connection.

Two emails sent to residents underscored the seriousness of the situation, one notifying them of heightened emergency presence and another reiterating the strict prohibition of fireworks on the property.

The fire ravaged a total of 16 units. Vanessa Holden, one of the unfortunate residents affected, expressed gratitude for the support of organizations like the Red Cross and the property management team.

“Financial assistance about 300 and up… The property manager told me that they would get back to me since I have renter’s insurance.” Vanessa shared, highlighting the financial uncertainties compounded by the loss.

While Vanessa’s apartment was damaged, Alexis Johnson expressed solidarity with her less fortunate neighbors. “It’s devastating… a lot of people lost their homes and a lot of their belongings,” Alexis empathized.

One injury was reported as a resident escaped from their balcony during the chaos.

However, the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined as investigations continue.

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