Woman Arrested in Fiancé’s Homicide Case

Community members gathered to mourn and remember Devon Shade.

News Summary

June Antoinette James, 35, has been arrested for the murder of her fiancé, Devon Shade, in Augusta. The investigation revealed a complex relationship and potential motives linked to personal conflicts. Shade’s death, previously deemed suspicious, has been confirmed as a homicide following an autopsy. Community concern grows as authorities continue to seek justice for Shade and his family.

Augusta, Georgia – June Antoinette James, a 35-year-old woman, has been arrested in connection with the homicide of her fiancé, 32-year-old Devon LaRoyce Shade. The arrest was made on June 10, 2025, by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. James is currently being held at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on felony murder charges.

Devon Shade was found dead on April 17, 2025, in a wooded area located off the 2100 block of McNutt Road in Augusta. Initially, his death was classified as suspicious, but the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed it as a homicide on June 9, 2025, after an autopsy revealed that he had been shot at least once and had likely been deceased for several days before his body was discovered.

Investigators suspect that June Antoinette James may be involved in her fiancé’s death due to a reported altercation related to allegations of Shade exchanging inappropriate messages with her daughter. The nature of their relationship and the ensuing conflict adds a troubling angle to this case.

Shade was a father to an 11-year-old son named Xavier, who is reportedly grieving deeply over his father’s death. Xavier’s mother, DeJaneé Tilghman, expressed her belief that Shade was set up and noted that he was unaware of his presence in Georgia at the time of his death. This perspective raises questions about the circumstances that led to Shade’s tragic end.

In the days following Shade’s death, concerns arose when his family discovered that his belongings had been removed from the shared residence with June Antoinette James. This discovery added another layer of complexity to the investigation, prompting officials to scutinize their relationship more closely.

A memorial service for Devon Shade took place on April 26, 2025, at Roberson Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Waynesboro, where friends and family gathered to honor his memory and share their grief over his untimely demise.

Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley stated the commitment of law enforcement to solving violent crimes in the area and expressed gratitude for the teamwork demonstrated throughout the investigation. The collaborative effort between different agencies has been crucial in uncovering the details surrounding Shade’s death and bringing attention to violence in the community.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to uncover additional information related to the case. Community members remain on alert, grappling with the impact of this violent event amid the hope that justice will prevail for Devon Shade and his loved ones.

The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that can exist within personal relationships and the severe consequences that can result from misunderstandings and conflicts. Law enforcement reiterates the importance of community vigilance and encourages anyone with information related to the case to come forward.