AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – There’s new information now in the death of a missing Augusta woman.

Shekema Toran, 36, was found dead last week in DeKalb County.

And now the medical examiner there says Toran was killed by a gunshot wound to the chest.

Police say her body was found in a car in a grocery store parking lot at 2385 Wesley Chapel Road.

Authorities say a suspect has been identified and warrants have been secured, but they are not able to release the names at this time. Officials with the DeKalb Police Department say the case is being investigated by the agency’anecy’s homicide assault unit.

Toran was reported missing Aug. 1 with her boyfriend, Barritz Martin.

When authorities were able to call Martin, they asked to speak with Toran.

They say they heard Martin banging on a seat or dash and saying, “Wake up.”

Martin is still wanted by police for questioning.

Toran’s mother said she disappeared after Toran and her boyfriend of two months, Barritz “Danate” Martin, were at the mother’s home.

After an argument started, Martin left the home after Toran’s mother asked him to leave. He returned two hours later to pick up Toran, according to authorities.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Deputies are searching for a suspect accused of aggravated battery and terroristic threats incident on Austin Lane, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday.

Authorities say Robbie Dihn, 30, is wanted for an aggravated battery and terroristic threats incident that occurred in the 2900 block of Austin Lane on July 23. Warrants are on file.

Dihn is described by authorities as 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds.

Authorities say the report is not available at this time due to Dihn being wanted for family violence.

Anyone with information concerning Dihn, please contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Tropical Storm Debby’s aftermath may not only bring flooding and debris but could also bring some unwanted guests into your neighborhood.

South Carolina snake chaser Hayden Cavender said this is due to higher wind and water levels after Debby. He says that after storms, he expects to be busier, with calls increasing by 15 to 20 percent.

“We’re prepared,” said Cavender. “Snakes, baby squirrels, birds, all kinds of animals. The high winds knock them out of nests and the rising waters push everybody up and out to higher land.”

It’s going to be a problem across South Carolina and Georgia in coming days as both states deal with flooding in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby.

Residents of the Cottages at Tilghman Beach, a community in North Myrtle Beach, have made multiple snake calls in 24 hours.

MORE FROM NEWS 12:

Cavender said he has removed four cottonmouth snakes in the past two days.

“That doesn’t surprise me,” said one resident, Tim Frahm.

Frahm said he and his neighbors are used to seeing more snakes after it rains.

“Especially at night, when you’re outside, you better be careful around the ponds or in your doorways,” said Frahm. “The HOA sends out a notice over email that tells everyone to be careful.”

BAMBERG COUNTY FLOODING:

Cavender expects the rise in calls to continue over the next week as the water levels recede after the storm.

He wants people to be vigilant, as some of these snakes are venomous, but not to panic if they do come across a snake.

“They won’t come and outright try to grab you or try to attack you or try to bite you,” said Cavender. “They will bite once they feel threatened, cornered, and like they don’t have any other option. They can’t run, they don’t have arms and legs to kick and fight, so their next option is to bite.”

Cavender said the best course of action if you run into a snake is to keep your distance or walk around it. He also advises people to wear closed-toed shoes outside after storms.

SNAKE INSIGHTS:

• Nonvenomous snakes such as scarlet kingsnake, eastern hognose and watersnake species are frequently confused with their venomous counterparts – coral snakes, rattlesnakes and water moccasins, respectively.
• Although pit vipers are often identified by their broad, triangular-shaped heads, many nonvenomous snakes flatten their heads when threatened, which can make their heads appear triangular.
• While some snakes eat rodents and even venomous snakes, others prey on creatures some Georgians also may not want near their homes. Brown and red-bellied snakes, for example, feed on snails and slugs, the bane of gardeners. Crowned snake species primarily eat centipedes.
• To reduce the potential for snakes near your home, remove brush, log piles and other habitat features that attract mice, lizards and other animals on which snakes prey.

Mary Pruitt has studied snakes for years.

“No snake is out there looking to attack a human. We don’t have any snakes in Georgia that are big enough to eat a human, so it would be a waste of their energy to even try and come after you,” she said.

What if you encounter a snake and you’re afraid?

“The best thing to do is just leave them alone, go the other direction,” she said.

But whatever you do, she says don’t try killing it.

“Trying to kill one puts yourself in danger of being bit, so it’s best to just leave them alone,” she said.

What if one bites you?

• Don’t put ice on the affected area, even if it swells because ice can make the venom move faster through your system.
• Don’t take pain medications. That way when you get to urgent care, your doctor can better evaluate your body’s reaction to the bite and better determine whether you need antivenom treatment.
• To avoid a trip to the doctor, avoid snakes in the first place.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.