The Tanksley twins of Augusta have both been locked up for robbery and gun crimes as well as other offenses at the young age of 17.
The neck-tatted brothers, Lachance and Lachyna Tanksley, are being held without bond on a series of felonies committed in January, according to warrants. They are named in armed robbery warrants for an incident that started at the GasWorld on Walton Way.
According to a sheriff’s report, the 25-year-old victim was at the gas station around 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 when two unknown men approached and asked for a ride. After agreeing, the man drove the pair to the 2000 block of Walker Street. Upon arrival, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and demanded Williams’ belongings. The suspect stole the man’ Michael Kors watch, valued at $150, and his 9mm Taurus pistol. The victim said the suspect’s weapon appeared to be a Beretta. After the suspects left, the victim drove back to his home and called police.
In a separate case, Lachance Tanksley was arrested on January 25 during a traffic stop while riding as a passenger in a vehicle. Deputies found him hiding 37 grams of marijuana between his legs. A Ruger 57 with a scratched-off serial number was found as deputies frisked him. He was taken into custody and later connected to the Gas World robbery on January 16.
Both teens are facing charges of armed robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of a pistol under 18. Lachance Tanksley is also charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of an article with altered identification.
This isn’t Lachance Tanksley’s first run-in with the law this year; he had been arrested earlier on January 6 on a hold for Superior Court but was later released.
Jail officials have said it’s unlikely the twins were placed in the same cell, as co-defendants are typically kept apart in custody.
Local residents have expressed concern over the twins’ situation, with some offering words of advice and support on social media. “You have your whole life ahead of you,” said one commenter. “Change your mindset and friends, and you can still turn things around.”
