Augusta’s latest homicide victim was fatally shot just seconds after posting a live Facebook video on his page, and two people have been charged.
Ruben Johnson, 20, was shot at The Jasper apartment complex on Friday, with officers responding at 6:55 p.m., according to a press release. Authorities have arrested 68-year-old Earnest Parkman and 21-year-old Jermaine Williams for murder, home invasion and weapon possession.
Jermaine Williams’ mugshot was not immediately available. Authorities say Williams was one of the subjects injured during the gunfight and continues to receive treatment for his injuries.
The victim had just posted a minute-long video at 6:53 p.m. Friday on his page under the name “ImStand Onnat Ruben.”
In the video shown below, Johnson appears to rap a song before being distracted and ending the recording.
Coroner Mark Bowen said the victim was rushed to Doctors Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:23 p.m. Friday.
Some friends on his Facebook page suggested he was protecting his “lady” at the time of the gunfire. Warrants say the two suspects forced their way into the residence and shot Johnson multiple times before fleeing. A motive is not clear.
Johnson’s friends and family shared his last video, with one noting that he was just alive and another saying there would be “slugs” for those who killed him.
Johnson was mourned online by family friends, including his grandmother Carol Santos, who asked for prayers for the family.
The homicide marks the county’s 48th homicide of the year, with still a month to go in the year. There were 38 homicides last year.
The killing also follows a double homicide Wednesday afternoon on Mystic Lane in Augusta. In that case, Tony Horne, 46, has been charged with fatally shooting his brother and sister-in-law, William Horne, 49, and Carol Horne, 52.
