News Summary
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for Juan Renardo Chunn in connection to the unsolved murder of Catrina Beatrice Evans. Found dead in her apartment in 2005, Evans’s case received renewed attention after a palm print linked Chunn, who is already serving a life sentence for a different murder. Sheriff Eugene Brantley underscored the importance of resolving cold cases to deliver justice. The Evans family has been updated on the investigation’s progress, which also faces additional concerns regarding the local detention facility.
Augusta, Georgia—The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has secured an arrest warrant for Juan Renardo Chunn, 56, in connection to the murder of Catrina Beatrice Evans. The warrant was obtained on September 17, 2025, as part of a renewed investigation into the case that has remained unsolved for nearly two decades.
Catrina Beatrice Evans was found dead on August 20, 2005, in her apartment located at 2445 Amsterdam Drive. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Evans had sustained multiple stab wounds, and notably, her 1-year-old child was found alive at the scene. The discovery occurred around 8:33 p.m. on the evening of the incident, leading to an immediate investigation.
In July 2025, detectives revisited the cold case, leading to significant developments. They resubmitted a palm print found near Evans’ body to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). This print was matched to Chunn, who is also known by the name Juan Renaldo Tillman. As a result, authorities now plan to pursue a murder charge against him for the death of Evans, despite him currently serving a life sentence for first-degree murder at Columbus Correctional Institution in Whiteville, North Carolina.
Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley emphasized the importance of revisiting cold cases, reaffirming a commitment to achieving justice for victims and their families. The Evans family has been informed of the recent developments regarding their loved one’s case.
In related news, on the same day the arrest warrant was issued for Chunn, an inmate at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center in Augusta was reported dead. Authorities found the inmate unresponsive in his cell, raising additional concerns for the facility.
Additionally, Leilani Simon, previously convicted of murdering her toddler nearly a year ago, has filed a motion for a new trial, further highlighting ongoing criminal justice matters within Augusta.
The original investigation into Catrina Beatrice Evans’ murder faced various challenges over the years, resulting in her case becoming one of many classified as cold. The reinvigorated efforts by law enforcement demonstrate a renewed focus on seeking justice not only for Evans but for others who have faced similar fates.
As the legal process moves forward, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office aims to continue building a strong case against Chunn while maintaining transparency with the community about the progress of the investigation.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: After 20 years, palm print leads to suspect in Augusta mom’s killing
- Wikipedia: Cold Case
- WJBF: Arrest warrant issued in 2005 Augusta homicide of Catrina Beatrice Evans
- Google Search: Augusta Georgia murder case
- WFXG: Palm print evidence ties North Carolina inmate to 2005 Augusta cold case
- Google Scholar: Augusta crime investigations
- Augusta Chronicle: Richmond County authorities obtain arrest warrant in 20-year-old murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Unsolved Murder
- The Augusta Press: Cold case: Homeless man arrested for 1982 murder in Augusta
- Google News: Augusta crime
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.
