On the final day of 2017, a life was tragically cut short in Augusta, Georgia. Michael Alonzo Cooper, a 22-year-old African American male, was shot and killed on New Year's Eve, marking the 26th homicide in Richmond County that year. The incident unfolded at the Sierra Point Apartments, where deputies responded to a call at approximately 6:48 p.m. and discovered Cooper on the ground with a gunshot wound.
Emergency services transported Cooper to Augusta University Medical Center, but his injuries proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced dead at 10:25 p.m. that night. The hours that should have been filled with celebrations for the new year were instead marked by a senseless act of violence that left a community in mourning.
The investigation into Cooper's death led to a swift arrest. Anthony Kyle Butler, a 20-year-old, was taken into custody and charged with murder, aggravated assault, and weapon possession. Authorities reported that prior to shooting Cooper, Butler had also pointed the firearm at another individual. While the motive for the shooting was not immediately made public, the prompt action by law enforcement brought a suspect into the legal system to face charges for the killing.
