September 3, 2025

Richmond County Authorities Arrest Two Suspects in Shootings

News Summary

Richmond County deputies have arrested two suspects linked to separate shooting incidents, including a fatal shooting at a Waffle House. The arrests mark progress in combating local gun violence. Antoine Keshawn Smith was apprehended after four months of evasion, facing charges including aggravated assault. Jalen Thomas was also arrested in connection with a murder investigation following a shooting that left a 23-year-old dead. Authorities emphasize community involvement to address the rising violence and promote safety.

Richmond County Authorities Arrest Two Suspects in Deadly Shootings

Richmond County deputies have arrested two suspects connected to separate shooting incidents that left one man dead and another critically injured. The arrests signal important progress in local law enforcement efforts to tackle gun violence in the community.

Arrests and Charges

Antoine Keshawn Smith, who had been on the run for four months, was apprehended on September 2, 2025. He was booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center, where he faces charges of aggravated assault stemming from a shooting that occurred on May 1 at the intersection of Ruby Drive and Richmond Hill Road. The incident arose from an argument involving a 39-year-old man, who was shot in the forehead after Smith attempted to strike him during a confrontation. A passerby took the victim to a nearby gas station for assistance, although he declined medical treatment.

In a separate incident, 26-year-old Jalen Thomas was arrested in connection with a shooting at a Waffle House on Talbot Drive in Hephzibah that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Antoine Stokes from Martinez. Thomas faces multiple charges, including murder and aggravated assault, as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Another suspect, 23-year-old Layla Bennett, was arrested the day after the shooting at the Waffle House and charged with aggravated assault and firearm possession during a crime.

Ongoing Investigations

The Waffle House shooting took place on August 20, and Stokes was pronounced dead a day later. Alongside these arrests, investigators have also been working on other recent violent incidents in the area. For instance, Mikeem Gaines, 22, and his mother, 45-year-old Garnett Gaines, were arrested on August 26 for a June 17 shooting that resulted in the death of 42-year-old James Brinson on Lumpkin Road. Both are facing murder charges.

In another concerning incident involving young individuals, a shooting on Deans Bridge Road resulted in the death of 14-year-old Deandra Howell, with three other juveniles injured. The injured juveniles, including Vincent Hikeem Carter Jr., were taken to a hospital and are in stable condition. Carter and 18-year-old Nametrius McClam have both been charged with murder in connection to the shooting, highlighting a disturbing trend of youth involvement in violent crime.

Community Response and Safety Concerns

The recent wave of violence has prompted local law enforcement to call for enhanced community engagement and involvement, particularly in guiding youth away from criminal behavior. Sheriff Gino Brantley has emphasized the critical role that community members can play in preventing violence and fostering safer neighborhoods.

As Richmond County grapples with these challenging issues, authorities are working diligently to investigate ongoing cases and ensure justice is served. The arrests of Smith and Thomas are part of broader law enforcement efforts aimed at curbing gun violence and enhancing public safety in the region.

Conclusion

As these cases continue to unfold, the Richmond County community remains vigilant, seeking solutions to address the root causes of violent crime and promote a safer environment for all residents.

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Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER

AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER

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