Suspect arrested in murder over a couple of candy bars in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A suspect has been arrested after being accused of killing 59-year-old Michael Whitfield over a couple of candy bars on Halloween, and authorities are looking for another man for questioning.
DeMarcus Deion Thomas is accused of killing 59-year-old Michael Whitfield around 7:15 a.m. Oct. 31 at Elliot Park in the 2000 block of Lumpkin Road, according to authorities.
Suspect transferred to adult jail in Thomson teen’s slaying
A suspect involved in the slaying of Thomson 14-year-old has been transferred to be housed with other adults at the McDuffie County Jail.
Arrest warrants allege Thomas committed robbery by force when he tried to take candy bars from Whitfield, then killed Whitfield by beating him in the face and stomping him in the face, chest and body.
After the beating, Thomas removed two candy bars from Whitfield’s pockets, according to an arrest warrant.
Whitfield was pronounced dead on the scene at 8:10 a.m. Oct. 31.
An autopsy has been scheduled.
DEADLY TREND
2-year outbreak: Violent crimes claim more than 180 lives
- The slaying comes amid an outbreak of violent crime that’s claimed more than 180 lives in a little over two years across the CSRA.
- The crime outbreak has affected communities large and small, but as the biggest city in the region, Augusta has been hit especially hard.
- Authorities have blamed much of the problem on gangs.
Wanted for questioning in the Elliot Park murder case is Alvarez Bernard Anderson, 43.
Authorities released photos of Anderson and said he’s 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds.
He’s homeless and frequents the Peach Orchard Road and Lumpkin Road area, according to deputies.
Anyone who knows his whereabouts is urged to Investigator Ken Rogers or any on-call investigator with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1075.
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