A Sunday night celebration in Augusta turned tragic when gunfire erupted at a large, unpermitted gathering, leaving one person dead and two others injured. A suspect is wanted for questioning.
Zyshawn Franklin, 26, of Augusta was shot at least one time and pronounced dead on the scene at 9:15 p.m. Sunday, Coroner Mark Bowen said. Suspect Wendarius Harris, 23, is wanted for questioning in the slaying.
The incident occurred after dark at Reserve and Ride Water Sports, located at 105 Riverfront Drive. According to Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard, the gathering had no official permit to operate, despite promotional material circulating online.
An online flyer advertised the event as a family-friendly pre-Cinco de Mayo celebration, hosted by an organization called Stunt Sunday Augusta. Activities listed included jet ski rentals, food trucks, and vehicle showcases, with vendor and tent fees ranging from $25 to $50. The event was scheduled to end by 10 p.m.
Authorities say the 8:30 p.m. shooting drew multiple sheriff’s deputies and the county coroner. The identities of the two injured victims, who were transported to a local hospital, were not released.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating and encourages anyone with information or video footage to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the Criminal Investigation Division at 706-821-1020 or sent anonymously via email to PIO@augustaga.gov.
A witness video posted online shows the activity at the event before the shootings.
