North Augusta Public Safety officials have named J’shawn Deonte Dukes, 21, of Georgia, as the suspect in Sunday’s deadly shooting at a Sprint gas station that killed two customers.
New details reveal that when officers arrived at the scene, Dukes was armed and allegedly pointed a rifle at law enforcement, prompting Cpl. Dillon Givens to open fire.
Chief Junior Johnson of North Augusta Public Safety confirmed that the incident has been turned over to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for investigation, following standard protocol in officer-involved shootings. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims,” said Chief Johnson. “We ask for the community’s patience as SLED conducts a thorough investigation into this tragic event.”
The confrontation unfolded shortly after 2 p.m. on Sunday. Officers responded to reports of an armed robbery and shots fired at 107 Edgefield Road. While en route, dispatch informed officers that an individual had been shot by an unknown subject inside the business.
Upon arrival, officers observed a black male, later identified as Dukes, walking away from a burgundy Toyota Camry parked near the front of the store, carrying a rifle. The officers, with emergency lights activated, exited their patrol vehicles and ordered Dukes to drop the weapon. Dukes then pointed the rifle toward the officers, prompting Cpl. Givens to fire his department-issued weapon, striking the suspect.
Officers quickly secured Dukes and immediately began rendering medical aid. Additional officers entered the Sprint gas station to secure the building. Inside, they found 76-year-old Jewel Harden and 33-year-old Thomas B. Lilly Jr., both fatally shot near the front register area.
While securing the scene, officers noted that store employees had locked themselves inside the office for safety. After ensuring the store was secure, officers retrieved medical equipment from their vehicles and began administering aid to the victims. EMS arrived on scene shortly afterward, but both Harden and Lilly were pronounced dead.
Dukes, who was struck by the officer’s gunfire, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. As the incident involved an officer’s use of deadly force, SLED has taken over the investigation. The North Augusta Department of Public Safety Investigations Division assisted with scene documentation and evidence collection.
Dukes was arrested in Bullock County on April 4, 2023 on charges of reckless conduct and battery. He was released after two days.
Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables confirmed the identities of the two victims.
Cynthia A. Cassell, a leader at Crown Kingdom Cultural Church, remembered Jewel Harden as a devoted and compassionate member of the community.
“She came to worship service on Sunday being a jewel as always, just like hername,” Cassell said. “Now she’s gone. A stop for gas ended in such a tragedy. Jewel, may you rest in peace. Your sweet, quiet, gentle, helpful, dedicated, and anointed spirit will be missed.”
Harden had worked for B&W Insurance Group for many years.
Danielle, a close friend of Thomas Lilly, described him as a man trying to rebuild his life.
“I’ve known him my whole life,” Danielle said. “He’s always had a really hard life since his mama died. He was on his recovery journey and had been doing well. I don’t know what happened at the Sprint, but I know he wouldn’t have hurt a fly. That boy could rap any Eminem song word for word. He’ll be missed by many in the Valley area.”
SLED is continuing its investigation and is expected to submit a full case file to prosecutors once the inquiry is complete. This marks the 40th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina this year and the first for North Augusta Public Safety in 2025.
Narrative from police report:
On Oct. 26, at approximately 2:05 p.m., officers responded to 107 Edgefield Road in reference to an armed robbery with shots fired. While units were en route, dispatch advised that an individual had been shot by an unknown subject inside the business.
Officers arrived on scene within minutes and observed a black male wearing a light red in color shirt carrying a rifle walking away from a burgundy Toyota Camry parked near the front of the store. Officers exited their patrol vehicles (with emergency lighting activated) and ordered him to drop his weapon. The suspect then pointed the weapon towards the officers, and in response, an officer discharged his department-issued duty firearm striking the subject.
Officers were able to secure the subject and then immediately began to rendering medical aid. Additional officers entered the Sprint gas station to secure the building.Once inside, they observed two individuals (one male and one female) with apparent gunshot wounds near the front register area. While clearing the business, officers noted that the store employees had locked themselves inside the office for safety.
After ensuring the building was secure, officers returned to their vehicles to retrieve medical equipment and began rendering aid to the victims. Several additional officers arrived on scene to assist with scene security and medical efforts.
Dispatch was advised that EMS was needed for three individuals with firearm- related injuries. EMS arrived on scene shortly thereafter. North Augusta Department of Public Safety Investigations Division responded to assist with scene security, documentation, and photography. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
SLED was requested to respond to the scene due to the incident being an officer involved shooting. SLED responded to the scene for crime scene processing and will continue the criminal investigation.
Statement from NADPS Chief Junior Johnson:
“On Sunday we responded to the senseless murder of two victim’s s at the Sprint Gas station at 107 Edgefield Rd. Corporal D. Givens was the first officer on scene. Upon exiting his vehicle and ordering the suspect to drop his weapon, the suspect then pointed the weapon towards the officer, and in response, Corporal Givens discharged his department issued firearm striking the suspect. Due to this incident being an officer involved shooting the investigation has been turned over to SLED. Per policy, Corporal Givens has been placed on administrative leave. Our condolences continue to go out to the families of the two victims. Any other information should be requested through SLED as this is still an active investigation.”
