🚨 Incident Overview. A vehicle involved in the incident was also hit by gunfire before crossing into another parking lot .
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office responded. The teen who died was identified by coroner Mark Bowen as 14‑year‑old .
Victims & Status
- Deandre Howell (14) – deceased at the scene.
- Three others – also teenagers;
- One in critical condition,
- Two others sustained non-life-threatening injuries .
Community members say the group of teens were known as the “Water Boys,” reportedly selling bottled water to motorists in the area, though authorities have not officially confirmed this nickname or activity .
Law Enforcement & Ongoing Response
Local law enforcement—led by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office—along with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and use of drone surveillance, responded strongly. They cordoned off the entire Meadowbrook area, restricting both pedestrian and vehicle traffic, while conducting an active search for suspects. Some arrests have been made, but multiple individuals remain at large .
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson was reportedly present at the scene, indicating the gravity of the incident and the response coordination involved .
Crime Context & Broader Background
This fatal shooting is part of a larger pattern of violence across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). Since mid‑April 2022, there has been a surge in homicides and violent crimes across the region, disproportionately affecting Augusta. A detailed tally published in January 2025 documented dozens of murders and suspicious deaths across multiple age groups, including young victims .
While many of these incidents involve older teens or adults, the community has increasingly experienced deadly violence impacting minors—underscoring long‑standing concerns about access to firearms and youth safety in the area .
Community and Social Impact
- Shock and grief have rippled through Augusta, especially given that the victim was just 14 years old.
- Local media and advocates have emphasized the need for community‑driven solutions—mentorship, youth outreach, and prevention efforts—to address the root causes of gun violence.
- While authorities pursue criminal justice action, community leaders are also calling for long-term involvement from parents, schools, and local organizations
Category Details Date Sunday, August 3, 2025 Time of Death ~6:05 p.m. Location Advance Auto Parts & nearby Texaco at Meadowbrook Drive & Deans Bridge Road, South Augusta Victim Deandre Howell, 14, of Augusta Other victims Three other teens injured; one critically Status Multiple arrests made; search for additional suspects ongoing Broader context Part of ongoing violent crime wave in CSRA impacting youth and community Investigators have made arrests but continue to search for additional suspects. The community remains on edge, with many residents calling on authorities and civic leaders to take coordinated action to reduce youth exposure to gun violence.
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