News Summary
Stacy Huggins, a convicted murderer, has escaped from a work detail in Augusta, Georgia, after failing to return to the Transitional Center. Authorities are conducting an active search for him following community concerns about safety, especially after a body was discovered nearby. Local residents expressed worry over the decision to allow Huggins, who has been incarcerated since 1990, to participate in a work program. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information to contact them as they continue their investigation.
Augusta, GA – Stacy Huggins, a convicted murderer, has been on the run for five days after escaping from a work detail. He was last seen on September 4, 2025, at 4337 Wilson Road in Hephzibah, Georgia, where he was assigned to report for duty. Huggins, who did not return to the Augusta Transitional Center located at 601 Taylor Street, is now the subject of an active search conducted by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Huggins, 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 136 pounds, was convicted of murder in Fulton County in 1990 after he admitted to fatally shooting a man while intoxicated. He has been serving his sentence since July 19, 1990, and is not eligible for parole, leading to concerns about his escape from a minimum-security facility designed to help inmates reintegrate into society.
Community Concerns Rise
Local residents reported hearing rumors regarding the escape of an inmate before the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office made the situation public. The community’s anxiety escalated further when a body of an unidentified man with a head injury was discovered near the area on September 5, raising fears about Huggins’ potential connection to the incident.
Parents at nearby facilities such as His Kids Christian Learning Center expressed their worries about the safety of their children, noting that they were not informed of the escape prior to the incident. Many questioned the decision to allow Huggins, a convicted murderer, to participate in a work detail, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures in the community.
Search Efforts and Next Steps
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office continues to work diligently to locate Huggins and urges anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them at 706-821-1020 or call 911. Authorities remain vigilant as they navigate the heightened tensions in the community and the pressing need for public safety.
Background on Stacy Huggins
Stacy Huggins has spent over three decades in prison since his conviction for murder. His crime, which occurred while he was under the influence of alcohol, has made him a contentious figure within the local community. Given his long-standing incarceration and the nature of his crime, the decision to allow him out for a work detail has drawn scrutiny from both law enforcement and residents alike.
The Augusta Transitional Center, where Huggins escaped from, is intended to provide a structured environment for inmates nearing the end of their sentences. However, the ease of Huggins’ escape has prompted officials to review the processes and safety protocols surrounding work detail assignments.
The search for Huggins underscores the continual challenges faced by the corrections system in balancing rehabilitation with public safety. As authorities forge ahead with search operations, the community remains on edge, eager for answers and a resolution to this unsettling situation.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Safety alert as murder convict walks away from work detail
- Wikipedia: Criminal rehabilitation
- WJBF: Convicted murderer escapes work detail, police ask for public’s help
- Google Search: Stacy Huggins escape
- AJC: Convicted Fulton killer escaped 5 days ago, Georgia Sheriff’s Office says
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- The Georgia Virtue: Convicted murderer missing from work detail for 6 days
- Google News: Georgia prison escape 2025
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.
