Deandra Howell dies in fatal Augusta shooting.
Fatal Augusta shooting death of Deandra Howell.
Two individuals, Vincent Hikeem Carter Jr. and Nametrius McClam, have been formally accused of first-degree murder following the tragic shooting incident that resulted in the death of the 14-year-old.
Sheriff Eugene Brantley of Richmond County emphasized the necessity of community engagement in preventing acts of youth violence and ensuring strict adherence to the city’s curfew regulations.
This tragic event took place just two days after the sheriff had publicly announced an increased commitment to enforcing Augusta’s minor curfew laws.
Two citizens, aged 18 and 16, have faced charges in connection with a Sunday shooting incident that led to the death of a 14-year-old resident of Alene Court. In addition to the fatality, three other young individuals were injured during the incident, one of whom was a 12-year-old.
Vincent Hikeem Carter Jr., who was 16 at the time, faces murder charges. According to reports from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Deandra Howell was pronounced dead at 6:05 p.m., following a series of gunshots reported approximately one hour earlier at Advance Auto Parts located at 3404 Deans Bridge Road.
Nametrius McClam, who is 18, has also been charged with the crime of murder.
“This deeply saddening incident serves as another stark reminder of how crucial it is for us to be aware of our children’s whereabouts, their companions, and their activities,” stated Sheriff Brantley. “As parents, caregivers, guides, and community members, we bear the responsibility of directing young people away from violence and towards promising futures.”
Vincent Hikeem Carter Jr. was also injured during the shooting and is receiving medical treatment at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center. The other two injured persons, Zyion Carter (16) and Josiah Overton (12), are also hospitalized.
Enforcement of the Augusta curfew is set to be stricter: “No positive outcomes for teenagers after twelve midnight”
The daylight shooting occurred only two days after Brantley had issued the announcement regarding renewed focus on the city’s curfew law. The regulation prohibits minors under the age of 18 from being outside without an adult chaperone after 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends.
As previously mentioned on Friday and reiterated in prepared remarks, Brantley underscored the significance of community participation in boosting the effectiveness of the curfew.
“Moving forward, we have prioritized increasing our outreach, mentorship, and educational programs for youth because prevention is essential. However, these efforts cannot be successful in isolation,” he explained. “True protection for our children requires a unified community effort — shielding them from the streets, violence, and poor decisions made at an immature age. Let this tragedy function as a clarion call for all of us to increase our involvement, maintain active participation, and stand united.”
The public is strongly encouraged to reach out to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1080 or utilize the anonymous CrimeStoppers tip line if they possess any information pertinent to the ongoing investigation.
