Three teenage suspects have been taken into custody in connection with an early Saturday morning shooting at a short-term rental home on Warren Road, which killed an 18-year-old and injured another.
Richmond County deputies arrested Dmihjay Collins (18), Tayshaun Thomas (17), and Joseph Thomas (17). All three were charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possessing machine guns.
They were booked into Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
According to officials, deputies and the coroner’s office arrived to the 200 block of Warren Road at 12:50 a.m. after receiving a report of a gunshot.
According to Richmond County Deputy Coroner John Rutland, the fatality is Augusta resident Eric Miller, age 18. He had at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead on the scene at 1:38 a.m.
Deputies, according to reports, Joseph Thomas was also shot in the event. He was taken to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center for treatment before being sent to the Richmond County Jail, according to officials.
Deputies on the site also saw a white SUV with multiple missile strikes to the front, according to the incident report. The driver of the car reported that an unknown subject shot multiple rounds at the vehicle while the driver was inside.
A fourth minor was arrested and put into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on charges of possessing a handgun or revolver while under the age of 18. Investigators concluded that the teen was present at the apartment at the time of the occurrence, but he was not connected to the homicide.
History of incidents
Alan Cowart, a neighbor, claimed he heard rapid firing and did not step outside until he saw blue lights across the street.
“There were police cars and people running through the yard,” Cowart stated.
Cowart stated that the property at 201 Warren Road has been a concern for years.
“It’s a lot of strange going on, questionable activities,” Cowart replied. “That’s been the beginning of the problem, and it’s been ongoing for six, seven years.”
In 2024, incident reports include a machete-wielding homeless man living in a shed behind the property, a convicted criminal shooting a shotgun in the yard, and a Thomson resident tracking their stolen truck to the address.
Booking.com lists the home as a holiday rental.
Cowart stated that neighbors suspect people are renting the property to host parties.
“It was the same type of party,” Cowart claimed.
The property is near Warren Elementary School.
“We’ve talked about it in the neighborhood, and we are concerned about the fact that it’s so close to the school,” Cowart stated.
According to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen, an autopsy has been set for Miller.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1080 or 706-821-1020.
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