An Augusta tattoo artist died Saturday night after being shot in the neck on Cooney Circle, authorities said.
Richmond County deputies were called at 6:10 p.m. Saturday to the Jennings Place community and found an adult male who had been shot in the neck and died from his injuries. He has been identified as 32-year-old James Andrew Wise, who goes by the nickname “Baby James.” Coroner Mark Bowen said he was shot inside a residence and was pronounced dead at 7:09 p.m. Saturday.
“Investigators are on scene and no further information is available at this time,” sheriff’s Sgt Caleb Lee said in a press release at 7:32 p.m. Saturday.
Word spread quickly of this death and he was mourned by many online, with several calling out his talent as a tattoo artist.
Tan T Bailey said, “Not James Wise. Bruh ain’t bother nobody. I was just about to get bruh to do my tattoo. I’m sicka Augusta . This s**t hurt bruh.”
Tookie Hunter added, “Our tattoo sessions was lit and you were such a cool person. You showed love every time I seen you. Baby James RIP.”
Shuntel Blake said, “He did most all my ink… and rep that green gold and white. Like what’s up man?”
The death marks at least the sixth confirmed homicide in Richmond County this year. There had only been four at this point last year but the number escalated to 50 by year’s end.
