Homicide claims life of Hephzibah father

Micah Smith (via Facebook)

Date: September 23, 2024

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred early Sunday morning on Forest Road.

Deputies responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 2:26 a.m. and found 42-year-old Mikah Smith with at least one gunshot wound. (Family says he is Micah Shane Smith.) He was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:39 a.m., Coroner Mark Bowen said.

Coroner Mark Bowen confirmed the death and stated that an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing, but authorities have not released further details regarding potential suspects or motives. There are some online reports that a self-defense claim was made.

Mareah Marsh, the victim’s sister, expressed her grief and called for justice, stating, “My brother deserves justice and I won’t rest until it’s served! He was my baby since the day he was born and did not deserve to be murdered like he was nothing.” She criticized the circumstances of the incident, highlighting that Smith’s children were present during the shooting.

Community members have also begun to pay their respects. Ashlie M. Megeaski shared memories of Smith, stating, “R.I.P MICAH SHANE SMITH. Forever memories. Prayers for his new baby and other six kids.”

Micah Smith is shown from his Facebook page. Family says he had seven children, including a new baby.

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The Author

Greg Rickabaugh is an award-winning crime reporter in the Augusta-Aiken area with experience writing for The Augusta Chronicle and serving as publisher of The Jail Report. He also owns AugustaCrime.com. Rickabaugh is a 1994 graduate of the University of South Carolina and has appeared on several crime documentaries on the Investigation Discovery channel. He is married with two daughters.

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