NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. () – In collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the North Augusta Department of Public Safety has unveiled fresh information regarding the fatal shooting incident at a Sprint store in North Augusta.

The individual involved has been identified as 21-year-old J’Shawn Deontae Dukes.

According to reports, on October 26th, deputies were dispatched to the Sprint location on Edgefield Road following reports of an armed robbery accompanied by gunfire.

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Upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered Dukes, who was armed with a rifle. When instructed to relinquish his weapon, Dukes allegedly aimed his gun at the officers, prompting them to open fire.

When law enforcement went inside the convenience store they found 76-year-old Jewel Harden of Hephzibah, and 33-year-old Thomas B. Lilly Jr. of Williston near the front of the store with gunshot wounds.

Both victims died.

Deontae J’Shawn Dukes is charged with Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter.

Chief Junior Johnson released the following statement regarding 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