N. Augusta cops release suspect name, new details in double slaying

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Authorities have released an incident report on Sunday’s double killing at a North Augusta gas station, revealing that it happened during a reported armed robbery.

We already knew that those shot dead in the incident were Jewel Harden, 76, of Hephzibah, and Thomas Lilly Jr., 33, of Williston.

But the report, released just after 11 a.m. Thursday, reveals that the suspect, who was shot and wounded by an officer, was J’Shawn Deontae Dukes, 21.

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We also now know that the officer who shot Dukes was North Augusta Department of Public Safety Cpl. D. Givens. Per department policy after an officer-involved shooting, Givens has been placed on administrative leave.

The report gives a clearer sequence of events than we’d previously had, saying officers were called at 2:05 p.m. to the Sprint convenience store 107 Edgefield Road to investigate a report of an armed robbery with gunshots.

While officers were on the way, they learned someone in the store had been shot.

Officers arrived within minutes and saw a Black male wearing a light red shirt carrying a rifle – later described as an AR-style rifle. The report states that he was walking away from a burgundy Toyota Camry parked near the front of the store.

Officers exited their patrol vehicles (with emergency lighting activated) and ordered him to drop his weapon.

The suspect then pointed the weapon toward the officers, according to the report.

In response, Givens fired his department-issued duty firearm, striking Dukes, according to the report.

Officers secured Dukes and then immediately began rendering medical aid until medical crews could get there.

Additional officers entered the Sprint gas station to secure the building.

Once inside, they found the victims with gunshot wounds near the front register area.

The store employees had locked themselves inside the office for safety.

After ensuring the building was secure, officers returned to their vehicles to retrieve medical equipment and began rendering aid to the victims.

Emergency medical crews were called to the scene and arrived quickly. Several additional officers also arrived to assist.

The two victims died at the scene, and Dukes was taken to a hospital for treatment. There’s no word on his current condition.

The investigation is being handled by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, which is typical when an officer shoots someone in the state. SLED will continue the criminal investigation.

READ THE FULL REPORT:

No officers were injured in the incident.

“Our condolences continue to go out to the families of the two victims,” North Augusta Department of Public Safety Chief Junior Johnson said Thursday.