Thomas B. Lilly Jr., 33, fatally shot in North Augusta, Georgia

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NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — Two Killed in Gas Station Robbery Shooting; Suspect Wounded by Police

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (DailyKenn.com) — A 21-year-old Georgia man faces murder charges after authorities say he fatally shot two customers during an armed robbery at a North Augusta gas station, prompting a police officer to return fire and wound him in the parking lot.

The incident unfolded Sunday afternoon at the Sprint convenience store on Edgefield Road, a busy thoroughfare near the South Carolina-Georgia line. Around 3:45 p.m., J'shawn Deonte Dukes entered the store armed with an AR-style pistol, demanding cash from the register, according to investigators. In the chaos, he opened fire on two bystanders near the front counter, killing them instantly.

Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables identified the victims as Jewel Harden, 76, of Hephzibah, Georgia, a retired schoolteacher known in her community for her volunteer work, and Thomas B. Lilly Jr., 33, of Williston, South Carolina, a local construction worker described by friends as outgoing and supportive. Autopsies confirmed both died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Officers from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety responded within minutes to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, Cpl. Dillon Givens encountered Dukes in the parking lot, where the suspect allegedly raised his weapon toward the officer. Givens fired several rounds, striking Dukes in the upper body. The suspect was rushed to a nearby hospital in stable condition and later booked into the Aiken County Detention Center on two counts of murder, armed robbery and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. No charges have been announced against the officer, who has been placed on paid administrative leave pending review.

Witness accounts painted a scene of sudden terror. Stephen Tinsley, a longtime friend of Lilly — whom he called "Tad" — was inside the store moments before the shooting and returned shortly after to find the aftermath. "He was like a mentor, my best friend," Tinsley said, fighting back tears. "Always happy-go-lucky. This doesn't make sense." Another patron, who asked not to be named, told investigators she heard "popping sounds" like fireworks before seeing Dukes flee toward the lot. Bullets also pierced the wall of the adjacent Nancy Carson Library, shattering a window but causing no additional injuries.

The Sprint gas station issued a brief statement expressing condolences and committing to cooperate with authorities, noting the store would remain closed for several days. A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles has grown outside, drawing mourners who left notes honoring Harden's kindness and Lilly's infectious smile.

Local leaders urged calm amid rising concerns over gun violence. North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams called the event "a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of everyday life," while Aiken County Sheriff Charles Daniel praised the responding officers' swift action. This marks the 40th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina this year, compared to 45 in 2024, though the first for North Augusta Public Safety since at least 2024.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division continues its investigation into both the robbery-homicide and the officer's use of force, with findings expected to be forwarded to prosecutors soon. Community vigils are planned for both victims this weekend.