A fatal shooting at a rented Airbnb home in Augusta early Saturday morning has left one teenager dead and another injured, with three suspects now facing murder charges, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting occurred shortly before 1 a.m. at a home in the 200 block of Warren Road that investigators confirmed was being used as an Airbnb rental at the time of the incident. Deputies were called to the residence at approximately 12:50 a.m. after reports of gunfire.
When deputies arrived, they found two 18-year-old Augusta men suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the victims, identified as Eric Markquis Bartley Miller, was pronounced dead at the scene. Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen said Miller had been shot at least once and was declared dead at 1:38 a.m.
The second victim, Joseph Lamar Thomas, 18, was also shot at least once and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released an update on his condition.
Within hours of the shooting, investigators identified and arrested three suspects. Charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of machine guns are Dmihjay Collins, 18, of Augusta; Tayshaun Thomas, 17, of Augusta; and Joseph Thomas, also of Augusta. All three were booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. Officials noted it is not yet clear whether the Joseph Thomas charged in the case is the same individual as the injured victim.
Investigators have not released details about what sparked the violence at the Airbnb rental, nor have they said whether the victims were specifically targeted.
Authorities also noted that the surviving victim, Joseph Lamar Thomas, had previously been arrested in April in connection with a separate investigation involving a Georgia game warden and firearms found in a vehicle. That case involved allegations of felony theft by receiving stolen property.
During Saturday’s homicide investigation, a fourth teenager, Reante Byrd, 17, of Hephzibah, was also charged after being found at the scene in possession of a firearm. He faces a charge of possession of a pistol or revolver by a person under 18 and was booked into the same detention center. Investigators said there is no evidence linking Byrd to the killing of Miller.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office credited multiple divisions, including Homicide, Violent Crimes, Crime Scene, and responding deputies, for quickly identifying suspects and making arrests.
The investigation remains ongoing.
