In a devastating blow to the community, 24-year-old Heavaughn Leigene Brooks was fatally shot early Saturday morning after being struck by gunfire on a front porch in the 1300 block of 10th Street in Augusta, Georgia. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office confirmed deputies responded to reports of gunfire at around 10:55 p.m. on Friday, November 21.
According to officials, Heavaughn and a few others were standing on the porch when an unknown individual opened fire. Investigators later recovered a firearm and shell casings from the scene. Heavaughn was rushed to Wellstar MCG Hospital in a private vehicle, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead around 1:59 a.m. on November 22.
Sgt. Walter McNeil Jr. of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office stated that the case has been upgraded to a homicide and remains under active investigation, though no arrests have been publicly announced.
Beyond the tragedy of his passing, those who knew Heavaughn remember him as a warm, caring person — someone with an easy smile, a generous heart, and a way of making people feel seen. He was deeply loved by his family and friends, and many say that the violence that ended his life fails to capture how much he mattered. To them, he was more than a victim — he was laughter, loyalty, and an energy that lifted others.
In the wake of his death, loved ones are clinging tightly to memories: his voice, his presence, his dreams. Heavaughn had plans, hopes for the future — dreams he never got to fulfill. And now, in the face of grief, those who loved him are calling for justice, for answers, and for healing.
The community’s sorrow echoes a wider concern: Augusta has seen a rising tide of gun violence this year, including other recent shootings. Many are left wondering how to stop this from happening again.
As the investigation continues, prayers and support pour in for Heavaughn’s family. His loss is a heartbreak that will not soon fade, and his memory a reminder of a life cut painfully short. May he rest in peace — and may those who loved him find strength, healing, and justice in the days ahead.
