Two teenagers have been arrested and charged as adults in connection with a Tuesday night shooting that riddled a Richmond County home with bullets while two adults and seven children were inside. Investigators say the gunfire was an act of retaliation following a deadly shooting at Augusta Mall one day earlier.
Deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1300 block of Druid Park Avenue around 10:49 p.m. Tuesday after reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found a home and a parked vehicle had been struck multiple times. Inside the residence were two adults, ages 43 and 39, and seven children ranging from 2 to 14 years old. No one was injured, but investigators say multiple rounds entered the front of the home and traveled through several interior walls.
At the scene, deputies recovered 22 shell casings and one live round from across the street, leading investigators to believe there may have been more than one shooter.
Detectives later determined the shooting may have been connected to the homicide at Augusta Mall on Monday. The Druid Park shooting is believed to have been an act of retaliation.
The investigation led deputies to a home on the 1500 block of Verdery Street, where they found two juvenile suspects hiding inside. A search of the residence uncovered a firearm, matching ammunition, and clothing believed to be linked to the shooting.
The suspects have been identified as 14-year-old Tian’Trez Freeman, whose brother was the victim in the mall shooting, and 15-year-old Rydeek Bailey. Both teens have been charged as adults with nine counts of aggravated assault and are being held at the Regional Youth Development Center.
In a statement, Sheriff Eugene Brantley called the violence “deeply troubling” and urged parents to take a more active role in their children’s lives, stressing the importance of knowing where they are, who they are with, and what they have access to.
“This kind of senseless violence destroys families and puts innocent lives at risk,” Sheriff Brantley said. “We cannot solve this crisis alone. Parents, schools, churches, and the entire justice system must come together to protect our community.”
The case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (706) 821-1020 or submit an anonymous tip through the RCSO website.
