Augusta, GA

Murder suspect arrested after SWAT team surrounds Augusta home

Published

3 months ago

January 14, 2026

Murder suspect arrested after SWAT team surrounds Augusta home

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We’re learning new details after authorities apprehended a murder suspect who was holed up for a time in a south Augusta home.

Deputies said the murder case was out of New York, and the suspect was being sought by the U.S. Marshals Service.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) SWAT team and the U.S. Marshals Service surrounded the home in the 2500 block of Smoketree Road.

A Richmond County Sheriff’s Office negotiator, the K-9 unit and the drone response team responded.

Central EMS and Augusta Fire Department personnel staged nearby in accordance with safety protocols, according to the sheriff’s office.

Upon arrival, deputies confirmed that at least two people were inside the home: an adult male and an adult female.

Officials say the female initially exited the home but, upon observing uniformed officers, was instructed to approach them. Instead, she returned inside against law enforcement orders.

Deputies secured the perimeter and advised nearby residents of the situation, requesting that some leave the immediate area for their safety.

An RCSO drone was deployed to monitor the scene and ensure situational awareness, and the roadway was blocked to prevent anyone from entering the potentially dangerous area, the agency says.

No one was injured, but it was tense leading up to the arrests, according to Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Chief Lewis Blanchard.

“We cleared all of the houses in the immediate area, we had a drone go up so we could deploy and make sure we could see all around in every area in case children are coming from school buses or anything like that, we had personnel … making sure nobody was allowed to come into the scene,” he said.

Snipers were also positioned on roofs around the area to assist in the operation.

According to the sheriff’s office, after around 45 minutes of communication, the female agreed to exit the home with her hands up. The male suspect followed close behind.

The male suspect, identified as Tyleek Estella, was taken into custody on warrants from another jurisdiction being served by the U.S. Marshals Service, according to the sheriff’s office.

The female was charged with misdemeanor obstruction of a law enforcement officer for failing to follow lawful verbal commands, the agency says.

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Augusta, GA

What is the cheapest city in Georgia to live with a roomate?

Published

11 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

What is the cheapest city in Georgia to live with a roomate?

As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.

According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.

Here’s what to know.

Where can you save the most in Georgia?

The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.

Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.

Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:

One-bedroom rent: $1,000
Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450

Why are roommate savings so high?

With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.

The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.

How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?

Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:

Cleveland, OH
Baton Rouge, LA
Jersey City, NJ
Memphis, TN
Boise, ID
Augusta, GA
New Haven, CT
Chattanooga, TN
Virginia Beach, VA
Shreveport, LA

Methodology

The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.

For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.

Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta nonprofit hosts family financial literacy day

Published

23 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

Augusta nonprofit hosts family financial literacy day

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.

The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.

Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.

Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.

“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.

Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.

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Augusta, GA

Lane Bryant to close Augusta Mall store this weekend

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Lane Bryant to close Augusta Mall store this weekend

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.

Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.

After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.

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