North Augusta, South Carolina — In collaboration with SLED, the North Augusta Department of Public Safety provided additional information into the fatal Sprint shooting in North Augusta.
The suspect has been identified as 21-year-old J’Shawn Deontae Dukes.
According to reports, on October 26th, deputies responded to the Sprint on Edgefield Road for an armed robbery resulting in shots fired.
When they arrived, they saw Dukes carrying a weapon. After being requested to lower his firearm, Dukes allegedly pointed it toward officers, who then shot him.
When police enforcement entered the convenience store, they discovered 76-year-old Jewel Harden of Hephzibah and 33-year-old Thomas B. Lilly Jr. of Williston at the front with gunshot wounds.
Both victims died.
Deontae J’Shawn Dukes faces murder and non-negligent manslaughter charges.
Chief Junior Johnson issued the following statement about the investigation:
On Sunday we responded to the senseless murder of two victim’s s at the Sprint Gas station at 107 Edgefield Rd. Corporal D. Givens was the first officer on scene. Upon exiting his vehicle and ordering the suspect to drop his weapon, the suspect then pointed the weapon towards the officer, and in response, Corporal Givens discharged his department issued firearm striking the suspect. Due to this incident being an officer involved shooting the investigation has been turned over to SLED. Per policy, Corporal Givens has been placed on administrative leave. Our condolences continue to go out to the families of the two victims. Any other information should be requested through SLED as this is still an active investigation.
Chief Junior Johnson, North Augusta Department of Public Safety
