In a tragic turn of events that stunned the North Augusta community, Garth S. Hewlett, a 53-year-old man, died on January 19, 2014, in what was determined to be a murder-suicide. The incident, which took place at his home on Woodvine Drive, also resulted in the death of his 21-year-old son, Brandon F. Hewlett.
According to reports, a family dispute escalated into a violent confrontation. Authorities concluded that Garth Hewlett fatally shot his son before taking his own life.
The grim discovery was made by Garth's wife and Brandon's mother, Denise Moyer Hewlett, who was not present at the time of the shootings. When she returned home, she found both her husband and son deceased.
The North Augusta Police Department investigated the deaths, and their findings confirmed the sequence of events as a murder-suicide. An autopsy was performed to further clarify the circumstances surrounding the fatalities. As the perpetrator in the incident was also deceased, the investigation did not lead to any arrests or the naming of any suspects.
Garth Hewlett was a lifelong resident of North Augusta and was employed as an E & I Planner with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. He was known in the community and was a member of the North Augusta Boating Club. The shocking nature of his and his son's deaths left family, friends, and the wider community to grapple with the sudden and profound loss. Funeral services for Garth Hewlett were held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, where those who knew him gathered to pay their final respects.
