Augusta barbershop double slaying: What we know
An Augusta barbershop is covered in crime tape as investigators piece together what led to a double homicide there. Johnson Beauty and Barber Salon at 706 Eve St. is where 48-year-old Meguel Freeman and 34-year-old Wyman Scott were found shot to death Monday afternoon. Officials are working to schedule autopsies for both men and unravel what led to their killings.
Investigators say a customer called police after discovering the victims.
Shortly after police arrived just after 2 p.m., so did much of the rest of the Harrisburg neighborhood.
“They know whatever happened, shouldn’t have happened. We’re all surprised. We’re all shocked. We’re all hurt,” said Khalid Franklin, a friend of one victim.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Freeman, of the 3200 block of Alpine Road, and Scott, of the 1300 block of Marks Church Road. Autopsies have been scheduled for both victims.
Both victims were shot at least one time and were pronounced dead on the scene.
“A lot of police were down here so I just wanted to see what’s going on,” a bystander said.
“I couldn’t believe it -- I had to come to see it believe to believe it. I just talked to him about a week or two, though. So, I just had to come to see it,” Franklin said.
Even though Harrisburg is no stranger to crime, police say this barbershop was not a problem spot.
“Certainly we’re going to conduct a very thorough and expanded investigation to see, look for any leads that may be tied into this,” sheriff’s Sgt. William McCarty said.
And friends who knew the victims said nothing but good things about them.
“He’s a loving husband, cared about his family, sons, beautiful family beautiful boys, he loved them to death. He’s the epitome of what a black man should be,” Franklin said.
A friend is gone and all they can do now is wait for answers.
“I feel so sorry for what has happened and anything I can do -- my family, my friends, we can do for the family -- we’re here for you guys. And we love you,” Franklin said.
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