An Augusta couple are dead from a murder-suicide on Sunday night on Holden Drive, authorities said.
The Coroner’s Office responded to the 1209 Holden Drive Sunday night in reference to two subjects that were shot inside the 675-feet residence, where Christmas decorations still mark the recent holiday.
Rebecca Williams, 41, was shot at least one time, according to Coroner Mark Bowen. Michael Vincent Williams, 43, was shot at least one time from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Both were pronounced dead on scene at 9:50 p.m., Bowen said.
Rebecca’s brother found the bodies Sunday night after his sister did not show up to work and an event that she would not normally miss. They were likely killed sometime between Friday and Sunday.
Landlord Michael Thurman said he was shocked at the deaths in the neighborhood, which he has worked hard to clean up after purchasing the homes and getting rid of the drug element with good screening. He does background checks on tenants and remember the Williams couple as “model tenants” when they started renting the house last July. Michael Williams suffered a debilitating stroke last year, but the couple were still “as happy as a couple can be,” Thurman said.
“No problems or fights or anything that I would be aware of,” said Thuman, who has been fixing houses for 30 years.
Michael Williams last worked as a Pharmacy Support Anaylst with ScriptPro, according to his LinkedIn profile. His criminal record in Richmond County included DUI and marijuana possession convictions as well as a few traffic offenses.
Rebecca “Bex” Williams was being honored online from those who knew her at Urban Outfitters Call Center, where she had worked since 2019 and was a Contact Center Supervisor. She had previously worked as an optical technician at MyEyeDr. and an assistant manager at a local Waffle House, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Dreaa Howard said, “Prayers for her family. So sorry this happened to you Rebecca, one of the koolest sups at URBN.”
Pretti Smith said, “I use to think about you alll the timeeee! You let me decorate my desk for Halloween and Christmas. You use to pull me off the phone. You were so understanding. A great person. This just broke my heart.”
An URBN co-worker, Crystal Martie, sent this photo with the message: “She was the happiest, fun loving, caring and selfless person I knew.”
Another co-worker, Jessica Weathersbee, said this: “Bex had the kind of soul that everyone fell in love with. She was caring and always willing to lend an ear, a ride home, a coat, and even her home to those in need! She will be greatly missed by her URBN Family!”
Candi Thurmond said Rebecca was one of the sweetest people she knew. “It didn’t matter who you were, if she could help, she would. My heart is broken. She didn’t deserve this and she will be missed terribly!”
