AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – A deadly domestic violence case in Augusta is drawing attention to a problem advocaties say continues to affect thousand of families across Georgia and the CSRA.

According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 1100 block of Peters Road around 2:56 a.m. Tuesday in reference to a domestice violence incident.

When deputies arrived, they found 42-year-old Sevina Walker unresponsive and suffering from at least one puncture wound. Walker was transported to WellStar MCG, where she later died from her injuries.

Investigators detained 54-year-old Terence Miller at the scene. He has since been charged with murder.

While the investigation remain ongoing, domestic violence advocates say the case serves as a reminder of the challenges many victims face long before violence escalates.

Data from the Georgia Commission on Family Violence shows more than 42,000 family violence incidents were reported statewide in 2024, an increase of 12 percent comapred to the previous year. The commission also reported 159 domestic violence-related deaths across Georgia last year.

Locally, SafeHomes Augusta says is helped more than 1,700 victims and family members throught the CSRA over the past year.

Amiee Hall, executive director of SafeHomes, says recongnizing warning signs early can be critical.

“Threats of violence, isolation from family and friends, controlling behavior, verbal abuse and manipulation are warning signs that should not be ignored,” Hall said.

“When a victim leaves a domestic violence situation, that is the most dangerous time because the abuser is losing power and control,” Hall said. “There still have to be safety measures in place to help protect that victim.”

NewsChannel 6 also spoke with WJBF anchor Dee Griffin, who has publicly shared her experience as a domestic violence survivor.

Griffin says she wants victims to know their lives are worth protecting.

“You may feel like you’ll lose a lot, but the abuser does not deserve the right to take your life,” Griffin said. “Your children deserve to have a parent. Your family and friends deserve to have you.”

Advocates say domestic violence can include physical violence, emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, financial control and isolation.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking help can contact SafeHomes Augusta for support and resources.

It’s almost World Cup time, and the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are gearing up to host the international soccer tournament.

Action for the World Cup starts Thursday and continues through July 19, so unless you’ve scored tickets, it’s time to start planning how to best watch the tournament.

Fortunately for Augusta soccer fans, there are plenty of sports bars where viewers can watch the matches, cheer on their favorite teams, and enjoy good food and drinks.

Using Yelp.com and internet searches, The Augusta Chronicle compiled a list of bars and restaurants in the Augusta area with plenty of televisions and atmosphere to catch all of the action.

Carolina Ale House

• Where: 203 Robert C Daniel Jr. Pkwy., Augusta
• What to know: It’s known for a massive collection of large screen TVs, making it ideal for watching simultaneous World Cup matches. It’s open late every day until around 2 a.m.
• For more information: www.carolinaalehouse.com/locations/augusta-ga

Buffalo Wild Wings

• Where: 120 Robert C. Daniel Parkway, Augusta
• What to know: The restaurant has big screens and many TVs and is widely recognized as one of the most popular sports-viewing spots in Augusta.
• For more information: www.buffalowildwings.com/locations/us/ga/augusta/

Dave & Busters

Top Dawg Tavern

• Where: 2821 Washington Road, Augusta
• What to know:Many large TVs line the walls, and it is family-friendly with a dedicated kids’ room. There’s also a patio with TVs for outdoor viewing.
• For more information: topdawgtavern.com/augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A strong CSRA contingent is set to tee it up this week at Ocean Forest (Sea Island) for the 105th Georgia Amateur Championship, with Richmond Academy’s McKnight Beman is making his first start in the event after qualifying with a standout round.

Beman secured his spot at Bartram Trail, where he shot a 69 and finished tied third in qualifying.

“It was really exciting,” Beman said. “It was one of my main goals this year. It was great to accomplish that already and get some experience with some of the top amateurs in the state of Georgia.”

Local list: CSRA representation at the Georgia Amateur

Golfers from the area expected in the field include:

• Lucas Hopkins (Thomson)
• MacGregor Thompson (Augusta)
• McKnight Beman (Augusta)
• Kipp Madison (Augusta)
• Colten Lewis (Swainsboro)
• Austin Vick (Evans)
• Cody Shafer (Evans)
• Bo Blanchard (Augusta University, defending champion)

One notable name not playing: Hamilton Coleman is listed as exempt, but is opting out with the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills coming next week.

Beman paired with Madison in opening rounds

Beman won’t be going it alone early. He said he will be paired with local Kipp Madison in the first two rounds, adding a familiar face as he steps into a field that often includes players decades older.

Beman said he’s comfortable in that environment.

“Not really,” Beman said when asked if it’s intimidating to play against older amateurs. “I played with so many older people through the years. I just like meeting new people and I think it’s a great opportunity to grow.”

Beman also pointed to the value of relationships and exposure the tournament can provide.

“The state amateur allows me to grow relationships with maybe older people that have bigger connections with college coaches,” he said. “It gives me a shot at the U.S. Am if I were to win.”

Ocean Forest test: “play the course”

The championship will be contested at Ocean Forest (on Sea Island), and Beman said he’s expecting the conditions—especially the wind—to be a major factor.

“It’s going to be windy so I’m just going to be working on not playing my game—playing the course,” Beman said. “I just got to stick to my process and not let anything affect me.”

“I’m not going to let how I’m hitting dictate how I play. I’m just going to go out there and show confidence and be determined to win.”

Defending champ Bo Blanchard expected to play

Defending champion Bo Blanchard is expected in the field, adding another high-end benchmark for the local golfers chasing the title.

History: Richmond Academy and Augusta winners

The Georgia Amateur has deep local history:

• The last Richmond Academy golfer to win the event was Randy Strozier (1969).
• The last Augusta golfer to win was Augusta Prep’s Lee Knox (2012) — and Knox won the Georgia Amateur twice over a three-year span.

What’s on the line: trophy, medal, and major exemptions

Beyond state bragging rights, the prize package is one of the most coveted in amateur golf.

The Georgia Amateur champion earns:

• The Robert H. Martin Trophy (with the champion’s name engraved on the historic trophy)
• An exemption into that year’s U.S. Amateur Championship
• An exemption into the Jones Cup Invitational

Past winners engraved on the Robert H. Martin Trophy include Bobby Jones.

For Beman—entering the tournament as a first-timer—those rewards are part of what makes the week so meaningful.

“I know it’s a big tournament so I just got to stick to my process,” Beman said. “I have to be straightforward with myself.”