Augusta, GA
Man draws decades behind bars for Augusta attack on estranged wife
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A judge accepted a guilty plea in the 2022 case of a man accused of holding his estranged wife at gunpoint and threatening to set her on fire before deputies showed up.
The suspect, Frank Ward, was sentenced Thursday to 20 years behind bars.
The incident happened Feb. 12, 2022, in the 2400 block of Lisbon Road, where deputies went after getting a 911 call with no one on the line.
Upon arrival, a deputies heard a woman scream out, “Please don’t kill me,” and a gunshot.
Deputies said they kicked in the side door and found victim Matilyn Ward on the floor with her estranged husband Frank Ward wielding a revolver.
Frank Ward complied with deputies’ commands and they took him into custody.
He was supposed to go to trial this week after a series of delays.
He was charged with home invasion, burglary, aggravated assault, three counts of family violence, terroristic threats, hindering a 911 call and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
He entered a guilty plea Thursday in a proceeding where the courtroom was so full, some people had to leave and chairs had to be brought in to accommodate those still in the room.
Ward and the victim were married at the time of the incident but estranged.
Prosecutors said he broke into her house and covered her with a gasoline-soaked towel.
She was pistol-whipped, choked, beaten, and he shot into her bed’s headboard, according to prosecutors.
He reportedly told her to “show him who she was talking to,” but she somehow managed to call 911 instead.
He hung up the phone, but she ran into the kitchen. Deputies showed up, and Ward shot toward her, with the bullet barely missing her head.
On deputies’ body camera footage played in court Thursday, you can hear the gunshot after they knock on the door.
Deputies then pulled their weapons and told him to drop his.
Weeks prior, she’d filed a police report because she said she was leaving him, but he got violent, according to prosecutors.
She said he put a tracker in her car and was a controlling person both physically and financially.
She said she told everyone she could about how dangerous he was, and no one could stop it, including their families.
She said he even had someone come attack her but called him back because he “wanted to do it himself.”
At Thursday’s hearing, prosecutors asked for a life sentence because he was a threat to the victim “and to this entire community.”
The public defender said she hadn’t been representing him long, but said he was a gentleman who wanted to take responsibility for his actions. She said he has a trucking company and put his oldest daughter through private school and sent her to Auburn.
A letter was read from his late mother before she went into hospice in 2023.
She said he suffered three concussions playing football. and witnessed domestic violence in his home growing up. She divorced his dad because of it.
She wrote that she wondered whether it was right to put him in a cell and that he’s been described as a violent criminal but had some redeeming qualities.
In court, Ward apologized to the victim and their families, calling her a remarkable mom.
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He said people deserve to know why the crimes happened, then blamed his “untreated depression,” which he said led to violent outbursts.
He asked the court to consider his mental health problems.
He said marital and relational stress created an environment in which his mental illness thrived.
He said he recalled his victim going through depression but she had the tools to deal with it. He said he didn’t.
The judge accepted his guilty plea.
“You’ve been rather dangerous,” the judge told him. “I’m not going to release you. That’s not even a consideration.”
The judge called the body cam video “disturbing,” said it’s hard to believe Ward’s behavior will change “just because he tells me so” and added, “As long as I’m on the bench, I’d like to know where he is.”
The judge said he couldn’t consider the mental health issue because no doctor is saying it, just Ward.
The judge sentenced Ward to 20 years of confinement with five years of probation. Ward is to have no contact with the victim and can’t get within 500 yards of her.
Copyright 2022 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
The Augusta-based manufacturer of one of the world’s leading brands of golf carts could split from parent company Textron by the end of 2027.
Textron has announced its intention to concentrate its aerospace and defense subsidiaries into a separate company called New Textron, including Textron Aviation, Textron Systems, and Bell, a brand that produces military-grade helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. It also oversees general aviation brands Cessna and Beechcraft.
Textron Specialized Vehicles is part of the company’s Industrial segment, which expects more than $3 billion in 2026 revenue. TSV properties include E-Z-GO golf carts; PACE Technology, which manufactures global positioning systems customized for golf courses; Jacobsen, a producer of turf maintenance equipment; and TUG Technologies, which makes airport ground support equipment such as baggage tractors.
“This planned separation creates greater clarity and focus for both businesses,” Textron CEO Lisa M. Atherton said in a statement. “New Textron will move forward as a pure-play aerospace and defense company positioned for higher growth, while Industrial gains the independence to pursue strategies aligned with its distinct strengths — unlocking long-term value for all stakeholders.”
The company “intends to explore multiple paths to effect the planned separation of its Industrial segment, including but not limited to a sale of the Industrial businesses or a tax-free separation into a standalone, publicly traded company,” according to Textron.
Textron said in its April 30 first-quarter earnings call to stockholders that it estimates the complete corporate separation to occur within 12 to 18 months, implying Halloween 2027 at the latest.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Fort Gordon service members will soon have more opportunities to further their education thanks to a partnership between Augusta University and the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon.
Augusta University President Russell T. Keen and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence Maj. Gen. Ryan M. Janovic will sign a new memorandum to continue their partnership at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Shaffer MacCartney Building at the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University.
Augusta University first began its partnership with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence back in 2016.
The new memorandum will provide additional opportunities for service members to receive degree credit for military training through Augusta University and AU Online.
The programs being updated under the new agreement include: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Technology, Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies, Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies with a Technical Intelligence Analysis Concentration and the PhD in Intelligence, Defense and Cybersecurity Policy.
“We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence to create new educational opportunities for the men and women who serve our nation,” Keen said.
Janovic emphasized the magnitude of the relationship and the critical skillsets it supports.
“This partnership with Augusta University is a force multiplier for our formations. By translating our rigorous military training into academic credit, we bridge the gap between military instruction and higher education,” Janovic said.
“Through this partnership, we are preparing experienced military leaders to build on the skills they have already developed and continue serving in ways that advance our national security, strengthen Georgia’s workforce and create lasting impact for generations to come. Their commitment to service extends far beyond the battlefield. It continues in the communities they protect, the organizations they lead and the lives they influence every day,” said Keen.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta University volleyball has announced its 2026 schedule, featuring 30 regular-season matches and 10 home contests inside Christenberry Fieldhouse.
The reigning 2025 Peach Belt Conference regular-season champions open the season Aug. 28-29 at the Emmanuel Tournament in Franklin Springs, Ga., before returning home Sept. 4-5 to co-host the Augusta/USC Aiken Tournament. Augusta then travels to Clinton, Miss., for the annual Peach Belt Conference/Gulf South Conference Crossover before opening Peach Belt Conference play Sept. 17 against Middle Georgia at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
Following an eight-match road swing through late September and October, the Jaguars return home for their final four regular-season contests, hosting Francis Marion, Flagler and rival USC Aiken. The 2026 Peach Belt Conference Tournament begins Nov. 12.
Tickets are available now. Don’t miss your chance to watch the reigning Peach Belt Conference regular-season champions in action at Christenberry Fieldhouse this fall.
BUY TICKETS
In conjunction with the schedule release, Augusta Athletics has also announced its promotional schedule for the 2026 home season.
2026 Promotional Schedule
Friday, Sept. 4 – vs. Lee (12:00 p.m.) & North Greenville (5:00 p.m.)
Parents Weekend
Join us as we welcome Jaguar families to campus for opening weekend.
Thursday, Sept. 17 – vs. Middle Georgia (6:00 p.m.)
Student Appreciation
Augusta University students are encouraged to pack Christenberry Fieldhouse for the conference home opener.
Saturday, Sept. 19 – vs. Georgia College (3:00 p.m.)
CSRA Club Volleyball Day
Local club volleyball teams are invited to attend and be recognized throughout the match.
Tuesday, Sept. 22 – vs. Lander (6:00 p.m.)
Coats & Scrubs Night
Medical students and healthcare professionals are invited to wear their scrubs and support the Jaguars.
Tuesday, Oct. 20 – vs. Francis Marion (6:00 p.m.)
Here to Win – Cancer Awareness Game
Augusta Athletics and the Georgia Cancer Center continue the “Here to Win” campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and support patients. Fans are encouraged to wear pink.
Friday, Oct. 23 – vs. Flagler (6:00 p.m.)
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night
A special night recognizing Augusta University’s faculty and staff.
Saturday, Oct. 24 – vs. Flagler (1:00 p.m.)
Halloween Game
Fans are encouraged to wear costumes while cheering on the Jaguars.
Friday, Nov. 6 – vs. USC Aiken (6:00 p.m.)
Greek Night
Augusta University’s fraternities and sororities are invited to attend and show their Jaguar pride.
Saturday, Nov. 7 – vs. USC Aiken (3:00 p.m.)
Senior Night
Help us recognize the Jaguars’ senior class before the final regular-season home match.
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