RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) – UPDATE | The man found dead in a Dollar General parking lot on Martin Luther King Blvd. Saturday morning, has been identified as 28-year-old Elias Jkhael Delk of Augusta. He appeared to have died from multiple blunt force trauma wounds. Delk was pronounced dead on the scene at 5:45 a.m. 

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An investigation is underway after a deceased man was found in the parking lot of a Dollar General.

Authorities say on Saturday at approximately 4:44 am, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1700 Block of Martin Luther King Jr in reference to a suspicion situation.

Upon arrival, Deputies located a deceased male with injuries that appeared to be from multiple blunt force trauma.

According to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen, the victim was pronounced dead on the scene at 5:45 a.m.

An autopsy has been scheduled.

The death is being investigated as a homicide. This investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

Count on NewsChannel 6 for more details as they become available.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The Richmond County Coroner’s Office is investigating the death of a homeless man who was found in a wooded area Friday evening.

The Coroner’s Office responded to the I-520 east bound ramp at Windsor Spring Road in reference to a deceased person.

The Coroner’s Office states the victim was pronounced dead around 5:45 p.m.

According to officials, the death is considered suspicious.

Their name will be released once a positive ID has been made, according to the Coroner.

An autopsy has been scheduled.

Count on NewsChannel 6 for more details as they become available.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents announced that Dr. Russell Keen will be the next president of Augusta University, beginning July 1.

Last week, the USG Board of Regents named Keen as the sole finalist for the position. That decision was finalized today.

In a statement released by the university, Keen said his priority is to focus on Georgia’s need to provide skilled graduates to enter the workforce.

“I truly look forward to serving Augusta University as its next president,” said Keen. “I am excited to expand the focus Augusta University has had on cutting-edge research and innovation. We will prioritize elevating a culture of excellence and creating an unparalleled student experience, while promoting critical thinking and student engagement.”

Keen’s appointment comes as Dr. Brooks Keel will retire after serving as AU’s president for nine years, part of his four decades-long career in higher education.

“Russell has the experience and institutional knowledge for the job, and that will be critical as we look to increase Augusta University’s impact in Georgia and beyond,” said USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “I’m looking forward to watching Dr. Keen push AU toward being one of the best research universities in the nation as it continues to emphasize student success.”

Keen is a native of the Augusta area and has worked in USG over 22 years.

Augusta University’s first day of classes for the Fall 2024 semester begins Aug. 14.