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Man Arrested in Connection with Homeless Woman’s Body

The tranquil Augusta river scene, a juxtaposition to recent crime reports.

News Summary

A 58-year-old man has been arrested after a homeless woman’s body was discovered in a shallow grave near the 15th Street bridge. The victim’s remains were found by a coordinated search operation following tips from the Homeless Operations Team. The suspect faces charges for concealing a death while authorities continue their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the victim’s demise. Meanwhile, another shooting incident raised safety concerns in the same area, prompting local agencies to enhance community safety efforts.

Augusta, GA – A 58-year-old man, Mitchell Perry Pelham, has been arrested following the discovery of a homeless woman’s body in a shallow grave near the 15th Street bridge on Riverwatch Parkway. The victim, identified as Cindy E. Reese, was 59 years old and her remains were found on May 20, 2025, around 5 p.m.

The arrest warrant issued for Pelham accuses him of committing the felony offense of concealing a death in order to obstruct the determination of whether Reese was unlawfully killed. He was taken into custody on Wednesday by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after the Homeless Operations Team received tips leading to the grave’s location. A coordinated search and excavation operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division and the Crime Scene Unit, resulting in the recovery of Reese’s body. As of now, an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death is still pending.

On the same day, another incident was reported involving a shooting on May Street at 6:01 p.m., in which one individual was injured. This incident is separate but has raised concerns about safety in the area.

In an unrelated case, a man named June James has been charged with felony murder related to the death of Devon Laroyce Shade, a 32-year-old man whose body was discovered in south Augusta on April 17, 2025. While the investigation into Shade’s death was initially labeled suspicious, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation later confirmed it was a homicide.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office noted that various agencies have been working collaboratively to progress these investigations and ensure community safety. The investigations into both the homicide of Shade and the circumstances surrounding Reese’s death are ongoing, with authorities continuing to seek information and following up on leads.

Authorities urge anyone with information on either of these cases to come forward to assist in their investigations. The community remains on alert as they navigate the consequences of these troubling events, emphasizing the need for vigilance and cooperation among residents and law enforcement.

This series of incidents highlights ongoing challenges related to homelessness and safety within the Augusta area, prompting discussions on how local agencies can effectively address these matters moving forward.