A 14-year-old boy is dead and three others are injured following a violent shooting that unfolded Sunday evening near Meadowbrook Drive and Deans Bridge Road in South Augusta.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the victims – all believed to be teenagers – were shot at two separate locations. Two were found shot in the parking lot of Advance Auto Parts, while two others were shot at a nearby Texaco gas station. A vehicle involved in the incident was also hit by gunfire before crossing the street toward the IGA grocery store.
The teen who died has been identified as 14-year-old Deandre Howell of Augusta, who shot at 3404 Deans Bridge Road, according to Coroner Mark Bowen.
Another victim remains in critical condition, while the remaining two sustained injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
Multiple witnesses say the victims were the “Water Boys,” a group of young people known for selling water to motorists in the area. Authorities have not confirmed this.
In an on-scene press conference, Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard said a manhunt is ongoing. “We are still looking for suspects. One ran from us in a backyard,” Blanchard said, adding that some potential suspects are already in custody.
Authorities have deployed a large law enforcement presence in the area, including help from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the use of drone surveillance. Officers are conducting a thorough search of the neighborhood with use of their Crime Suppression Team, K9 teams, and S.W.A.T. Team.
“All of the Meadowbrook area is shut down to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic,” Blanchard said around 7 p.m. Sunday. “We are asking everyone to avoid the area while this active investigation continues.”
The identity of the deceased victim has not been released. Investigators say more information will be shared as it becomes available.
