7 days ago
The youngest was 12: Of six people identified in Augusta shooting, the oldest was just 18
Two Augustans ages 18 and 16 have been charged in a Sunday shooting that killed a 14-year-old Alene Court resident and wounded three other juveniles, including a 12-year-old.
Vincent Hikeem Carter Jr., 16, has been charged with murder after Deandra Howell was pronounced dead at 6:05 p.m. at a scene of reported gunfire an hour before at Advance Auto Parts, 3404 Deans Bridge Rd., according to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.
Nametrius McClam, 18, is also charged with murder.
"This heartbreaking tragedy is yet another reminder of how critical it is that we know where our children are, who they're with, and what they're involved in," said Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley. "As parents, guardians, mentors, and community leaders, we have a responsibility to guide our youth away from violence and toward brighter futures."
Carter was also wounded in the gunfire and is hospitalized at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center. Also hospitalized after the shooting were Zyion Carter, 16, and Josiah Overton, 12.
Augusta curfew will be enforced: 'Nothing good happening for teenagers after 12 midnight'
The daylight shooting occurred just two days after Brantley announced a more focused, streamlined commitment to enforcing Augusta's curfew law. People younger than 18 can't be unaccompanied by an adult after 11 p.m. weekdays and midnight on weekends.
As he said Friday and again in prepared remarks Monday, Brantley emphasized the importance of community involvement in strengthening the curfew's effectiveness.
"Since taking office, we have worked to expand our youth outreach, mentorship and education programs because prevention matters. But we can't do this alone," he said. "It takes a united community to truly protect our children — from the streets, from violence and from life-altering decisions made too young. Let this tragedy serve as a wake-up call for all of us to step up, stay involved and stand together.'
Anyone with information about the ongoing case is urged to contact the Richmond County Sheriff's Office at (706) 821-1080 or submit an anonymous tip through our CrimeStoppers tip line.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Two charged with 14-year-old's murder in south Augusta shooting
