Man Wanted for Questioning in Deadly Augusta Shooting That Left 26-Year-Old Dead
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Authorities in Augusta are actively searching for a 23-year-old man wanted for questioning in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred Sunday night, May 4, near a prominent downtown intersection.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has identified Wendarius Harris as a person of interest in the fatal shooting that left Zyshawn Franklin, 26, of Augusta, dead at the scene. The incident happened shortly after 9:00 p.m. in the 100 block of Riverfront Drive, near the intersection with Prep Phillips Drive, just steps from the Augusta Boathouse, a landmark frequently used for recreational events and community gatherings.
Deputies responded to reports of gunfire in the area around 9:00 p.m., and upon arrival, they discovered Franklin suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Despite efforts to render aid, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:15 p.m., according to the Richmond County Coroner’s Office.
As investigators work to determine the motive and exact circumstances surrounding the shooting, Wendarius Harris has emerged as a key figure in the case. While no charges have been filed at this time, Harris is currently wanted for questioning and has not been located.
According to deputies, Harris is known to frequent both the East Boundary area of Augusta and Batesburg, South Carolina, which may complicate efforts to track his whereabouts. Authorities have released a physical description to aid in his identification: he is described as a Black male, 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 155 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
The neighborhood surrounding Riverfront Drive and Prep Phillips Drive was cordoned off late Sunday evening as law enforcement collected evidence, interviewed witnesses, and canvassed the area for surveillance footage. The location is near the scenic Savannah River and is often populated with pedestrians, joggers, and residents on weekends, making the sudden eruption of gun violence especially jarring for the community.
“This type of violence impacts not only the victim’s family, but the entire community,” said a spokesperson for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. “We are asking the public to assist us in locating Mr. Harris so we can bring clarity and justice to the victim’s loved ones.”
The sheriff’s office has urged anyone with information on Harris’s whereabouts or who may have witnessed the shooting to contact them immediately. They are warning the public not to approach him, as it is unknown if he is armed.
Anyone with information can contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1020 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (706) 828-STOP (7867).
As of Monday morning, no further arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. This marks yet another troubling episode in a year that has already seen multiple incidents of gun violence across the Augusta metro area.