AUGUSTA, Ga. — Two Augusta teenagers are facing adult charges after a violent home shooting that investigators say was an act of retaliation following a deadly incident at Augusta Mall.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Tian’Trez Freeman, 14, and Rydeek Bailey, 15, were arrested this week and charged in connection with a Tuesday night shooting that left a neighborhood shaken. Authorities say the pair opened fire on a Richmond County residence, spraying the home with bullets while two adults and seven children were inside.
Miraculously, no one in the home was physically struck during the barrage of gunfire. Investigators, however, stressed the extreme danger posed by the shooting, calling it a “reckless act of violence” that could easily have turned deadly.
Connection to Augusta Mall Shooting
Sheriff’s deputies believe the drive-by was not random. Preliminary findings suggest Freeman and Bailey carried out the attack in direct retaliation for a deadly shooting that took place at Augusta Mall on Monday evening. That earlier incident claimed the life of a young man, whose identity has not yet been released publicly, and prompted a heavy law enforcement presence at one of the city’s busiest commercial centers.
“This was retaliation, plain and simple,” Sheriff Richard Roundtree told reporters on Wednesday. “When you have teenagers engaging in this level of violence, you’re looking at a cycle that only ends in more bloodshed if we don’t intervene.”
Facing Adult Charges
Because of the seriousness of the crime, prosecutors have confirmed that both Freeman and Bailey will be charged as adults, despite their ages. The charges include multiple counts of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and criminal damage to property. Additional charges could be filed as the investigation develops.
District Attorney Jared Williams said the decision to try the teens as adults was not taken lightly but was necessary given the circumstances.
“We’re talking about firing dozens of rounds into a home full of children,” Williams said. “These are adult actions with adult consequences.”
Community Reaction
The back-to-back shootings have rattled Augusta residents, with many expressing fear about escalating youth violence in the community. Parents in Richmond County have voiced concerns about safety, not just at public places like the mall, but now even in their own neighborhoods.
“It’s terrifying,” said neighbor Angela Morris, who lives two blocks away from where the Tuesday night shooting occurred. “To know that kids that young are the ones pulling the trigger, it makes you wonder what’s happening to our community.”
Local faith leaders and community organizations are calling for urgent measures to address youth involvement in gangs and violent retaliation. Several have pledged to hold meetings this week to support families and provide safe outlets for young people.
Ongoing Investigation
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate both shootings and is working to determine whether additional suspects were involved in planning or carrying out the retaliation. Authorities say more arrests could follow.
Officials also noted that while no one was physically injured inside the home, the emotional and psychological toll on the family, particularly the children, is significant. Victim advocates have been assigned to support the family as they recover from the trauma.
“This family is alive today by the grace of God,” Sheriff Roundtree said. “But make no mistake, this community cannot afford to let gun violence at the hands of our youth become the norm.
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