Augusta, GA

Suspect found guilty of manslaughter in Augusta Mall killing

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2023

Suspect found guilty of manslaughter in Augusta Mall killing

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The suspect in a 2020 killing at Augusta Mall has been found guilty in a jury trial.

Tony Rodrequez Burton, 40, of Augusta, stood trial for the Oct. 3, 2020 shooting that claimed the life of Derell Demarcus Little, 26, of Augusta.

A Richmond County jury found the defendant guilty of two counts of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, according to Augusta District Attorney Jared Williams.

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Evidence at trial revealed that the incident began as a fight in the mall. Surveillance video shows the defendant body-slam the victim to the ground. The victim’s friend intervened in the altercation, trying to break them up. The defendant took the victim’s weapon from his waistband, and during the course of the fight, a shot was fired and struck a bystander.

After the initial gunshot, the victim took off running and the defendant chased him through the mall with the gun. Surveillance shows the unarmed victim running away as the defendant chases him into a clothing store. The defendant shoots multiple times.

While the grand jury found evidence established sufficient probable cause for murder charges, the trial jury found the defendant guilty of voluntary manslaughter.

He was sentenced to 25 years in prison, plus a $100,000 fine.

“This wasn’t self-defense,” Assistant District Attorney Randi Guillory said. “You don’t have the right to end a fight in this way, at a crowded mall putting innocent lives at risk.”

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Augusta, GA

Tree giveaway helps Augusta get back to normal after Helene

Published

6 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been more than 100 days since Hurricane Helene came through our area.

Now, those in the CSRA are still cleaning up the aftermath.

On Saturday, Rooting for Augusta helped the area get back to normal.

“Every once in a while, we have a horrific event that unites us all, and we certainly had it with the storm. Everybody can agree that it’s a good thing to plant trees back in the right spots,” said Dennis Trotter with Rooting for Augusta.

Rooting for Augusta gave away 700 trees as part of the event.

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Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

17 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After swearing in 100 new deputies at the beginning of his tenure, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley also addressed promotions and appointments for those in the sheriff’s office.

It happened on Friday before the winter weather got underway and impacted the region.

Brantley spoke with us after about why the new promotions, appointments and people in the sheriff’s office will benefit the community.

“For the most part, when you’re suffering from a shortage of staff like we have been and so many other agencies in the state of Georgia and around the country, I think it is a boost in the arm to onboard 100 people to help get things that we need slow down crime and stop what is plaguing our community,” said Brantley.

Brantley said it was the first step to making the community safer.

He says he has been working on improving the jail as well.

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