News Summary
As the anniversary of Marcellus Flores’s murder approaches, his family is calling for justice. Flores was shot outside his residence in South Augusta. His mother, Hope Ciccio, feels a deep sense of failure in not achieving justice and continues to seek answers regarding her son’s tragic death. Despite investigation challenges, including poor lighting and lack of eyewitnesses, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office remains active in pursuing leads. The family hopes to honor Flores’s memory and encourages anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of justice for their peace of mind.
Augusta – As the seven-year anniversary of Marcellus Flores‘ murder approaches, his family is renewing their call for justice. Flores, a 22-year-old man, was shot and killed outside his residence on Daisy Lane in South Augusta in March 2019. His mother, Hope Ciccio, has expressed her feelings of failure in not being able to secure justice for her son, stating that he deserves answers.
On the day he was murdered, Flores was found lying face down on his front porch. Reports indicate that his body remained outside for six hours before being taken away, a situation Ciccio describes as dehumanizing. She has since torn down the porch in an effort to rebuild her life and move forward.
Flores, remembered fondly by family members as a “kind, loving big teddy bear,” was known for his non-confrontational nature and his dedication to hard work. He graduated from Cross Creek High School and went on to become a certified automotive technician, working as a mechanic in the city.
The investigation into his murder has presented several challenges. According to Lt. Daniel Madden from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the area of the crime scene is poorly lit, with very few residents and no video surveillance, complicating the search for clues. Despite this, Madden noted that some investigations take longer than others and that the cold case unit is actively pursuing leads.
Ciccio has taken it upon herself to conduct her own investigation into her son’s death. She discovered that the last call made by Flores was to someone he had never communicated with before, a short time before he was murdered. Additionally, the same phone number received a text message with Flores’s location at the time of the incident.
Authorities have revealed that another man was arrested weeks after Flores’s murder with the same weapon believed to have been used in the crime; however, the sheriff’s office has not confirmed whether this individual is considered a suspect in Flores’s case. This lack of clarity adds to the family’s distress as they seek answers.
Ciccio’s persistent calls for justice highlight the ongoing pain and frustration experienced by families of homicide victims. She emphasized her deep desire to secure justice for her son, stating that it is essential to her peace of mind.
In light of the anniversary, authorities are encouraging anyone who may have information related to Flores’s murder to reach out to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. They are able to provide information anonymously, ensuring that those with knowledge of the case can come forward without fear of repercussion.
The painful anniversary serves as a reminder of the unresolved nature of Flores’s murder and the enduring impact it has had on his family. As they honor his memory, they continue to search for answers and justice on his behalf.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Nearly 7 Years Later, Family Still Seeking Justice in Augusta Murder
- Wikipedia: Homicide
- Augusta Press: Inmate Identified After Death at Augusta Jail
- Google Search: Augusta murder justice
- WRDW: After 20 Years, Palm Print Leads to Suspect in Augusta Mom’s Killing
- Google Scholar: Augusta murder investigation
- Augusta Chronicle: Coroner IDs Augusta Man Found Fatally Shot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime and Justice
- WFXG: Mother and Son Arrested in 2023 Lumpkin Road Murder Case
- Google News: Augusta murder cases
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.
