Richmond County authorities released the mugshots Thursday of two young men charged with the daylight killing of an Augusta man outside a Family Dollar store.
Madison Lewis Jr., 21, and Kyadiar Oliver, 19, were both arrested on murder charges following the shooting death of 19-year-old Damien Patrick from Hephzibah on Wednesday. A motive is unclear.
Both suspects had a history of felony charges in recent years, though their cases were either dismissed or unresolved before they were granted bond, allowing them to remain free despite their criminal backgrounds.
The fatal shooting occurred Wednesday afternoon outside the Family Dollar on Laney Walker Boulevard in Augusta. Patrick was rushed to Piedmont Hospital by private vehicle, where he was pronounced dead at 4:30 p.m., according to Coroner Mark Bowen.
Investigators quickly located the suspects, detained them, and conducted interviews before formally charging them.
The shooting was reported at 3:40 p.m. on the sidewalk near the discount store, marking Richmond County’s fifth homicide of the year. At the same time last year, there had been four homicides, with the final total reaching 50 by year’s end.
A loved one of the victim shared an emotional message, describing Damien as “loving, caring, and most of all loyal. Real stand-up guy. He was always about his money.” The message continued, “He was my lover, my best friend, and an amazing person. It wasn’t hard to make him smile if you knew him. He loved kids and was an uncle-to-be. He’ll never get the chance to meet his sister’s baby, and I’ll never forget all the GOOD times we had.”
Friday’s edition of The Jail Report has details on the two murder suspect’s background of previous charges. Pick up your copy in local stores or download a copy at thejailreport.com
