Augusta, GA
Guilty verdict on all counts in 2019 death of toddler
EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A jury discovered the boyfriend of a mom responsible of all counts within the 2019 homicide of her practically 2-year-old son in Columbia County.
“We, the jury, discover the defendant as to Rely 1, malice homicide, responsible. Rely 2, felony homicide based mostly on aggravated assault, responsible. Rely 3, felony homicide based mostly on cruelty to kids within the first diploma, responsible. Rely 4, aggravated assault, responsible. Rely 5, cruelty to kids within the first diploma, responsible.”
Jurors on Friday morning started contemplating a number of fees towards Charles Sconyers, an Augusta firefighter arrested in reference to the Might 2019 homicide of Lincoln DaVitte simply shy of the boy’s second birthday.
It was a sense of disbelief because the clerk of courtroom delivered the responsible verdict. Sconyers was put in handcuffs instantly.
Fees being thought-about within the loss of life included malice homicide, two counts of felony homicide, two counts of aggravated assault, and cruelty to kids within the first diploma.
Sentencing instantly adopted the decision.
J. Wade Padgett, decide mentioned: “The jury’s verdict of responsible relative to malice homicide. I sentence the defendant to life in jail with the potential for parole.”
The decide gave Sconyers an opportunity to speak after the decision was learn.
“I really feel horrible about what occurred to Lincoln, however I didn’t do that, and I stand to this present day and say that,” Sconyers mentioned. “This isn’t proper. This isn’t justice.”
Sconyers will serve life in jail with the potential for parole for malice homicide cost, 20 years in confinement for aggravated assault, and 20 years in confinement for youngster cruelty. All the sentences are concurrent.
There’s no sentence for the felony homicide counts as a result of regardless that he was discovered responsible, that’s a cost that not applies as soon as there’s a responsible verdict of malice homicide.
Earlier than the case went to the jury, the prosecution on Friday rested its rebuttal a day after Sconyers took the stand for about an hour of testimony.
A protection lawyer requested Thursday if Sconyers had harm Lincoln.
“No, sir. … I might by no means … I’d by no means harm any youngster,” Sconyers answered.
Apparently, jurors disagreed.
Lincoln’s grandmother and father stood in entrance of the room saying they want no mercy on Sconyers.
Throughout closing arguments, Assistant District Legal professional Natalie Paine spoke in regards to the defendant’s character.
“No one has a report till they do for the primary time. It doesn’t imply they haven’t achieved it earlier than. It simply means they haven’t been caught.”
She says this verdict means closure for one household.
“Lincoln deserves justice, and there is just one verdict that speaks justice. That speaks the reality,” mentioned Paine.
EARLIER COVERAGE:
The protection continued with a number of witnesses together with household, associates and medical professionals.
Sconyers: “Finally, he grew to become my son.”
Protection lawyer: “And also you considered him that manner?”
Sconyers: “I considered him that manner.”
On day 4 of the trial, Sconyers gave an emotional testimony, breaking down what he says occurred on Might 1, 2019.
It began with selecting Lincoln up from day care.
“He got here up, and he was tearing up slightly bit. I figured he was simply unhappy as a result of he didn’t like to depart his associates loads,” he mentioned.
Sconyers says they headed dwelling. They had been going to play exterior after they obtained dwelling. He says he opened the again door and went into the lavatory to regulate his knee brace.
“He was proper behind me standing there, and I mentioned I’d be there in a minute, and I pushed the door shut, and he took off operating. Just a few seconds later, I hear him operating, and that’s once I heard the thump,” he mentioned.
Sconyers says he heard a kind of scream, after which it was quiet.
“I discovered him within the again laying on the again patio, and he was laying like this, and he turned his head just a bit bit, after which he went out of it,” he mentioned.
He says he stabilized his neck and known as 911. He advised paramedics who he was and was making an attempt to assist.
Protection lawyer: “How usually do you concentrate on this?”
Sconyers: “On daily basis, each night time, I relive it. I simply want there was one thing I might do. I did the whole lot I might probably do to assist him.”
He says he would by no means do something like this to anybody.or any youngster.”
The protection rested its case after one final query.
Protection lawyer: “Are you telling the reality this afternoon?”
Sconyers: “Sure. I swear to God.”
Copyright 2022 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
The Major Rager Sets 2025 Lineup: Greensky Bluegrass, Eggy, Easy Honey
The Major Rager has announced the artist lineup for its 11th annual event, set to take place in Augusta, GA on April 12th, 2025 during The Masters. The long-running event takes its name from the professional golf tournament with which it coincides—one of four tournaments known collectively as “the majors.”
Jamgrass favorites Greensky Bluegrass will headline the 2025 edition of The Major Rager. The single-day event, produced by Friends With Benefits Productions, will also feature performances by ever-rising jam quartet Eggy and Charleston, SC-native rock outfit Easy Honey. Tickets for The Major Rager 2025 are now on sale here.
On Tour With Eggy: Waiting Game [Feature]
Greensky Bluegrass’ Major Rager headlining slow will follow an extensive run of early-2025 headlining tour dates across the country. Find a full list of upcoming Greensky Bluegrass tour dates here. Eggy, still riding the momentum of the band’s long-awaited sophomore album, 2024’s Waiting Game, will arrive in Augusta on April 12th fresh off a run of spring festival appearances at Live Oak, FL’s Suwannee Amp Jam #1, Phoenix, AZ’s M3F, Miramar Beach, FL’s My Morning Jacket-hosted One Big Holiday, and Atlanta, GA’s Mental Awakening Festival. Find a full list of upcoming Eggy tour dates here. For Easy Honey, the Major Rager marks the first announced date on the band’s 2025 tour schedule. Find a full list of upcoming Easy Honey tour dates here.
Augusta, GA
34-year-old and 32-year-old ID’d in related Augusta fatal shootings
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Coroner has identified two victims after two related shooting incidents in Augusta, we learned on Friday.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office responded to Wellstar/MCG about a shooting death.
Jeremy Dontavious McGahee, 34, of Augsuta was transported to Wellstar/MCG by EMS from the 2100 block of C Street with at least one gunshot wound, Coroner Mark Bowen said.
He was pronounced dead at 8:28 p.m., Bowen says. An autopsy has been scheduled.
The Coroner’s Office also responded to the 2100 block of C Street about a possible suicide.
Zyquan Jamarcus Franklin, 32, of Augusta, was found inside a residence with at least one gunshot wound and pronounced dead on the scene at 12:15 a.m. Bowen said. An autopsy has been scheduled.
Bowen says these cases are connected and in the early stages of investigation. Once the next of kin has been notified, the victim’s identification will be released.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to C Street around 9:34 p.m. about shots fired with two people down.
Deputies say upon arrival, they located one male and one female subject who had been shot at least one time.
Both victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment, where the male victim succumbed to his injuries.
The sheriff’s office says investigators are still on scene as of 11 p.m.
Also on Thursday, 50-year-old Chavious Kimmerlin was shot dead in his home on Highland Avenue.
The shooting comes amid a two-year outbreak of violent crime that’s claimed more than 180 lives across the CSRA.
Cities large and small have been affected on both sides of the Savannah River. But as the largest community in the region, Augusta has been hit especially hard.
Authorities have blamed much of the problem on gangs.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
1 dead, another injured in shooting on C Street in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died and another has been injured after a shooting on the 2100 block of C Street on Thursday night.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to C Street around 9:34 p.m. in reference to shots fired with two people down.
Deputies says upon arrival, they located one male and one female subject had been shot at least one time.
Both victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment, where the male victim succumbed to his injuries.
The sheriff’s office says investigators are still on scene as of 11 p.m.
Also on Thursday, 50-year-old Chavious Kimmerlin was shot dead in his home on Highland Avenue.
The shooting comes amid a two-year outbreak of violent crime that’s claimed more than 180 lives across the CSRA.
Cities large and small have been affected on both sides of the Savannah River. But as the largest community in the region, Augusta has been hit especially hard.
Authorities have blamed much of the problem on gangs.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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