Richmond County authorities have captured Donte Lontrel Bell Sr. for murder after the discovery of his mother’s body Tuesday night on Martin Road.
Awanda Thomas, 58, appears to have been assaulted and possibly shot at least one time inside her home on the 2300 block of Martin Road. She was pronounced dead at 7:44 p.m. Tuesday, Coroner Mark Bowen said.
Bell Sr. is charged with murder and weapon possession in the death. The sheriff’s office confirmed that the the suspect is the son of the victim.
He has a pending domestic violence case against him from May and a long history of arrests on his record that usually resulted in probation and fines:
• 2012: Possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana – convicted with three years of probation
• 2012: Simple battery – family violence: NOLO plea conviction with 12 months of probation
• 2011: Theft by taking – NOLO plea conviction with 12 months of probation
• 2007: Carrying a concealed weapon – guilty plea and 12 months of probation
• 2007: Criminal trespass – guilty plea and six months confinement and six months of probation
• 2007: Obstruction of a law enforcement officer – guilty plea and 12 months of probation
• 2004: Obstruction of officers – NOLO plea conviction and 12 months of probation
• 2003: Simple battery – guilty plea and 10 days in jail and 11 months of probation
• 2001: Theft by receiving stolen property – guilty plea to criminal trespass with 12 months of probation
• 2000: Criminal trespass – guilty plea and 12 months of probation
• 2000: Carrying weapons on school property and criminal trespass – charges dismissed
Greg Rickabaugh is the Jail Report Contributor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at greg.rickabaugh@theaugustapress.com
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