NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. () – A tragic shooting incident occurred at a gas station in North Augusta on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. This event has prompted local residents to express their concerns.
The gunfire extended beyond the gas station, reaching the nearby Nancy Carson Library.
This area is typically a gathering spot for children, and due to the incident, the children’s section is temporarily closed as crews work to clear shattered glass and ensure the space is safe once more.
“We were on our way to the store and noticed the crime scene, so we stopped to see what was happening,” shared Derek Mays, a North Augusta resident.
Police officers responded to the scene around midday, confronting an armed suspect at the gas station. An officer discharged their weapon, striking the suspect. Prior to the officers’ arrival, two individuals had already lost their lives: 76-year-old Jewel Harden and 33-year-old Thomas Lilly Junior.
“I received a call to come and open the library,” stated Barbara Walker, the manager at the Nancy Carson Library.
Inside the library’s children’s section — where kids read, play, and use toys — bullets pierced two windows and hit nearby walls.
Walker explained how the library was affected in the shooting.
“In between the shelves and on the shelves and the way out here on by the tables, there were these pieces of glass,” Walker said. “So, we had to clear all that up. And then as you can see, there’s one hole over there. And then there’s another where the one right there, where it was hit.”
It’s the first time the library has seen damage like this. Crews are cleaning up glass and debris to make the area safe again. Walker says she’s thankful no one was inside when the shots were fired.
“It doesn’t look like anyone would’ve been hit with any kind of ammunition or anything like that,” Walker. “But the glass and stuff over kids and stuff, that’s what we would’ve worried about.”
Cones still block parts of the Sprint parking lot, but people are still walking in. Some community members say the shooting has shaken their sense of peace.
“I can’t believe this is right here in our hometown, North Augusta,” said Debra Funches, who lives in Graniteville. “So I say stop the crime rate, let’s stop, let’s come together as a people and speak out against it.”
No officers were hurt. SLED is still investigating.
