TWO VICTIMS IDENTIFIED IN NORTH AUGUSTA GAS STATION DOUBLE MURDER
Community in Shock After Deadly Shooting at Sprint Gas Station; SLED Investigating Officer-Involved Incident
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — Authorities have identified the two victims in Sunday’s horrific double homicide at a Sprint gas station on Edgefield Road in North Augusta. Officials confirmed that 76-year-old Jewel Harden of Hephzibah, Georgia, and 33-year-old Thomas B. Lilly Jr. of Williston, South Carolina, were both killed before an armed suspect was shot and killed by police responding to the scene.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, released new details Monday afternoon. According to their preliminary findings, a North Augusta Department of Public Safety officer fired his weapon after the suspect raised what authorities described as an AR-style pistol during the deadly incident.
The Incident
The shooting unfolded Sunday morning at the Sprint gas station located on the 1700 block of Edgefield Road, a busy commercial stretch that connects North Augusta with nearby Edgefield County. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with multiple gunshots ringing out and panicked customers fleeing for safety.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after reports of gunfire inside and outside the gas station. When they arrived, they encountered an armed man holding what appeared to be a rifle-style handgun. SLED officials say that the suspect ignored multiple verbal commands and raised his weapon toward officers, prompting one of them to open fire. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Inside the gas station, responders discovered two victims suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by first responders to revive them, both Harden and Lilly were declared dead.
Victims Remembered
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through two states, touching both Georgia and South Carolina communities.
Jewel Harden, 76, of Hephzibah, was described by friends and family as a kind, soft-spoken woman who enjoyed spending time with her family and was well-known in her church community. “She was the type of person who would give you the shirt off her back,” one neighbor said. “She didn’t deserve this — no one does.”
Thomas B. Lilly Jr., 33, of Williston, S.C., was remembered as a hardworking man devoted to his family and loved ones. Friends say he was friendly, dependable, and always smiling. “Thomas had a big heart and never met a stranger,” a longtime friend shared. “It’s devastating to lose him this way.”
Family members of both victims are asking for privacy as they grieve and await further information from investigators.
The Investigation
SLED officials confirmed that they are handling the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which is standard procedure in South Carolina when a police officer fires a weapon. The agency has not yet released the name of the suspect or the North Augusta officer involved, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
SLED’s press release stated:
“Preliminary information indicates that the suspect, armed with an AR-style pistol, raised the weapon in the direction of officers. A North Augusta officer then discharged his firearm, striking the suspect. The suspect died at the scene. Two other individuals were found deceased before the officer’s engagement.”
Officials have not released details regarding a possible motive, nor have they indicated whether there was any connection between the victims and the suspect. Autopsies for all three deceased individuals are expected to be conducted later this week at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Community Reaction
The deadly shooting has left many in North Augusta shaken. The Sprint gas station, located near several local businesses and residential areas, is a common stop for commuters and families.
Local resident Angela Murphy, who lives less than a mile away, said she was stunned to learn of the violence. “It’s frightening — this is usually a quiet area. To think that two innocent people lost their lives here is heartbreaking.”
City leaders and law enforcement officials have expressed condolences to the victims’ families. North Augusta Mayor Brittany Burton released a brief statement Monday evening, saying:
“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy. We are deeply saddened by the senseless loss of life and are grateful for the quick actions of our first responders who prevented further harm.”
What’s Next
SLED investigators are reviewing body camera footage and collecting forensic evidence from the scene. The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, a routine measure following any officer-involved use of force.
Authorities said additional details — including the suspect’s identity and potential motive — will be released once investigators have verified all information and notified next of kin.
As the investigation continues, both the Hephzibah and Williston communities are coming together to honor the lives of Jewel Harden and Thomas Lilly Jr., two innocent victims whose lives were tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence.
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