Tragedy in South Augusta: 14-Year-Old Deandra Howell Killed, Three Others Injured in Shooting; Two Teens Now Charged with Murder
AUGUSTA, Ga. — A heartbreaking scene unfolded in South Augusta this week as authorities confirmed the death of 14-year-old Deandra Howell, who was fatally shot during a violent encounter that also left three other minors injured, including a 12-year-old boy. The incident, which occurred in the Meadowbrook area, has shaken the community and brought national attention to a group of local teens commonly referred to as the “Water Boys.”
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the scene around 6:15 p.m. on Monday, following multiple reports of gunfire near the intersection of Meadowbrook Drive and Lumpkin Road. Upon arrival, deputies discovered four juveniles suffering from gunshot wounds. Deandra Howell, just 14 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene from her injuries.
The other victims have been identified as Vincent Carter Jr., 16, Zyion Carter, 16, and Josiah Overton, 12. All three were rushed to a local hospital for treatment. As of Tuesday afternoon, their conditions have been reported as stable.
In a shocking development, Vincent Carter Jr., one of the injured teens, has now been charged with murder in connection to the shooting, alongside 18-year-old Nametrius McClam. Authorities say both suspects were involved in the deadly exchange of gunfire that ultimately claimed Deandra’s life.
“This is an incredibly tragic and complicated case,” said Sheriff Richard Roundtree during a press briefing. “We have a 14-year-old girl dead, a 12-year-old wounded, and multiple young lives that have been completely derailed by gun violence. We are still actively working to determine exactly what happened and why.”
Preliminary reports suggest that the group involved may have been part of the so-called “Water Boys” — a loosely organized group of teens and children who sell bottled water to motorists at busy intersections throughout Augusta, including the Meadowbrook corridor. Law enforcement officials have previously expressed concern over the group, citing issues with traffic safety, territorial disputes, and occasional confrontations among members and with passing drivers.
Investigators are now looking into whether a dispute among members of the group — possibly over money or territory — escalated into the gunfight that erupted on Monday evening. Detectives recovered multiple shell casings from the scene and have obtained security camera footage from nearby businesses that may shed more light on the moments leading up to the tragedy.
Deandra Howell’s family, meanwhile, is struggling to make sense of the unthinkable loss. Known for her bright smile and boundless energy, Deandra had recently completed eighth grade and was looking forward to starting high school in the fall.
“She was full of life, just a baby,” said her aunt, Latrice Howell. “She had dreams of becoming a nurse one day. She loved helping people. Now she’s gone, just like that — and it was kids that did this. Kids!”
The community has responded with a wave of sorrow and outrage. A memorial has begun to grow at the intersection where the shooting took place, with flowers, balloons, and handwritten notes left by friends, classmates, and strangers. Local clergy and youth advocates are also organizing a vigil and anti-violence rally, set to take place later this week.
Mayor Garnett Johnson called the incident “a painful wake-up call,” urging parents, schools, and local leaders to come together to address youth violence.
“Four children were shot, one of them died — and the alleged shooters are children themselves,” said the mayor. “We can’t sit idly by and watch our young people destroy each other. It’s time to intervene — with resources, with compassion, and with accountability.”
The Richmond County School System has deployed grief counselors to area schools, and additional patrols are being conducted around key intersections where youth congregate to sell water.
As of now, Vincent Carter Jr. and Nametrius McClam remain in custody. Both face charges including murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. More charges may follow as the investigation develops.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1020 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Augusta.
The community is left grappling with a painful truth: a promising young life has been lost, and several others shattered — not by strangers, but by peers. What began as an entrepreneurial effort by neighborhood youth has now become the backdrop of a tragic and preventable act of violence.
“We’ve got to do better,” said a local pastor, standing near the memorial for Deandra. “Our children are crying out, and they’re using guns instead of their voices. If this doesn’t wake us up, I don’t know what will.”
