In the heart of Augusta, Georgia, a vibrant community was shattered on the afternoon of August 3, 2025, when a burst of gunfire claimed the life of 14-year-old Deandre Howell and left three other teenagers wounded. The shooting, which unfolded in the parking lot of an Advance Auto Parts store on the 3400 block of Deans Bridge Road at its intersection with Meadowbrook Drive, has left residents reeling and sparked renewed fears about the rising tide of youth violence and gun crime in the region. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has named 18-year-old Nametrius McClam as the prime suspect in this devastating incident, issuing a wanted alert and urging the public to remain vigilant as they work to bring him into custody.

Deandre Howell, a young teenager with his life ahead of him, was pronounced dead at 6:05 p.m. on the day of the shooting, having sustained at least one gunshot wound. The other three victims, also juveniles, were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. One remains in critical condition, while the other two are reported as stable, though their recovery will undoubtedly be marked by the physical and emotional scars of that tragic day. The senseless loss of such a young life and the injuries inflicted on others have left Augusta’s tight-knit community grappling with grief and a pressing need for answers.

According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred around 5:15 p.m., with gunfire erupting in two nearby locations—the Advance Auto Parts parking lot and a nearby Texaco station. Multiple suspects reportedly fled the scene on foot, but several teenagers have since been taken into custody as the investigation unfolds. Nametrius McClam, however, remains at large, and authorities have described him as armed and dangerous. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 135 pounds, McClam is known to frequent the Meadowbrook Drive area, a detail that has heightened concern among residents in that neighborhood. Active warrants for murder and aggravated assault have been issued against him, and law enforcement is intensifying efforts to locate him.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has called on the public for assistance, emphasizing the critical role community cooperation plays in resolving such cases. Investigator Sean Morrow, who is leading the effort, can be reached at 706-432-5281, while the sheriff’s office general line is 706-821-1020. Authorities have stressed that anyone with information, no matter how small, should come forward, and anonymity is assured for those who wish to provide tips. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as McClam’s status as armed and dangerous poses a significant risk to public safety.

This tragic event has reignited concerns about the growing problem of youth violence and gun crime in Augusta. The involvement of teenagers as both victims and suspects underscores a troubling trend that community leaders have been working to address. Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson was present at the scene, alongside multiple agencies, including the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Richmond County Coroner’s Office, and specialized units like the Crime Suppression Team, K9 teams, and SWAT. Their collective presence highlights the gravity of the situation and the commitment to restoring peace to the community.

As the investigation continues, Augusta mourns the loss of Deandre Howell, a young life extinguished far too soon. Community leaders and residents alike are calling for unity in the face of this tragedy, urging cooperation to ensure justice for Deandre and the other victims. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of violence and to work together to create a safer future for the city’s youth. For now, the focus remains on locating Nametrius McClam and preventing further harm, as Augusta holds its breath, hoping for resolution and healing in the wake of this heartbreaking loss.