In a heartbreaking tragedy that has shaken the South Augusta community, 14-year-old Deandre Howell was killed in a violent shooting on Sunday evening near Meadowbrook Drive and Deans Bridge Road. The incident, which unfolded across two locations, left three other teenagers injured and sent shockwaves through a neighborhood already grappling with rising crime. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reported that the victims, all believed to be teenagers, were shot at two separate sites: the parking lot of an Advance Auto Parts store at 3404 Deans Bridge Road and a nearby Texaco gas station. Authorities are still searching for suspects as the community mourns the loss of a young life and prays for the recovery of those injured.

Deandre Howell, identified by Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen, was fatally shot at the Advance Auto Parts location. He was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind a grieving family and a community struggling to make sense of the violence. Another teenager remains in critical condition at a local hospital, fighting for their life, while the other two victims sustained injuries that, while serious, are not considered life-threatening. A vehicle involved in the incident was also struck by gunfire, careening across the street toward an IGA grocery store, adding to the chaos of the scene. Witnesses described a frantic aftermath, with police swarming the area and emergency responders working urgently to aid the victims.

The shooting has drawn attention to a group of young people in the area known as the “Water Boys,” teenagers who sell bottled water to motorists at busy intersections. Multiple witnesses at the scene suggested that the victims were part of this group, though the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has not officially confirmed this connection. The “Water Boys” have become a familiar presence in Augusta, often seen at traffic lights offering water to drivers in the sweltering Georgia heat. While their entrepreneurial spirit has been noted by some in the community, their visibility at busy intersections has also raised concerns about safety and potential conflicts.

Investigators have not released details about a possible motive or the circumstances leading up to the shooting, but the incident has reignited discussions about gun violence in Augusta. The city has faced a troubling wave of violent crime in recent years, with several high-profile shootings affecting young people. Community leaders and residents are calling for action to address the root causes of such violence, including poverty, lack of opportunities for youth, and the proliferation of illegal firearms. The loss of Deandre Howell, a boy described by those who knew him as full of potential, has intensified these calls for change.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has appealed to the public for information, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities combing through evidence and witness statements to identify those responsible. The community, meanwhile, is grappling with grief and fear, as parents hold their children closer and neighbors question how such a tragedy could unfold in their midst. Vigils are being planned to honor Deandre’s memory, and local organizations are stepping up to offer support to the victims’ families.

This shooting serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Augusta and similar communities across the nation. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on seeking justice for Deandre Howell and ensuring the safety of the city’s youth. The road to healing will be long, but the resolve of the community to come together in the face of tragedy offers a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow.