RCSO: Connection Suspected Between Augusta Shooting and Fatal Mall Incident; Two Teenagers Charged

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – On Tuesday, September 23rd, at around 10:49 p.m., deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1300 block of Druid Park Avenue regarding reports of shots fired.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered the residence had been struck multiple times by gunfire. Fortunately, no individuals were physically injured; however, both the home and a vehicle outside were damaged.

Authorities say there were 2 adults inside, ages 43 and 39, along with 7 children ranging in age from 2 to 14 years old.

Investigators determined that multiple bullets entered the front of the home, traveling through walls.

Outside, a vehicle was also struck.

Deputies recovered 22 shell casings and one live round across the street, indicating the likelihood of more than one shooter.

During the course of the investigation, Investigators learned the shooting may have been connected to an earlier incident at the Augusta Mall in which one individual was killed.

Evidence suggested the shooting on Druid Park Avenue may have been an act of retaliation.

Deputies and investigators then responded to the 1500 block of Verdery Street, where they located two juvenile suspects hiding inside a residence. Both were detained without incident and transported for questioning.

Law enforcement found a firearm, ammunition consistent with the casings recovered at the scene, as well as clothing and other items believed to be connected to the incident.

14-year-old Tian’Trez Freeman is the brother of the deceased from the mall incident yesterday along with Rydeek Bailey, 15 years old.

Both been charged as adults for 9 counts of Aggravated Assault and committed to the Regional Youth Development Center.

RCSO Sheriff Eugene Brantley said “The senseless violence we have seen in our community over the last two days is deeply troubling. Young people—just 14 and 15 years old—are armed with guns, engaging in reckless acts that destroy families and threaten innocent lives. Parents and guardians must step up. You must know where your children are, who they are with, and what they are doing. You must look in their rooms and make sure they do not have guns, drugs, or anything else that can put their lives and the lives of others at risk. As your Sheriff’s Office, we will continue to do everything possible to confront this crisis. We have programs, outreach, and activities for our youth, and we are working daily to provide them with positive paths forward. But equally important is ensuring that those who choose violence are held fully accountable—not just by law enforcement, but by the entire justice system. We will not stop working to protect this community. But we cannot do it alone. We need parents, schools, churches, and the justice system all pulling together to stop this cycle of youth violence before more lives are lost.”

This case remains under active investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division. Charges are pending, and further details will be released as appropriate.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office continues to urge anyone with additional information related to this incident to contact the Investigations Division at (706) 821-1020 or submit an anonymous tip through their website.