In a tragic turn of events on a Thursday afternoon in south Augusta, Georgia, an off-duty Richmond County Sheriff's deputy, Gregory Cooke, a 43-year-old male, was fatally shot. The incident, which unfolded on June 15, 2017, stemmed from what authorities have described as a domestic dispute. Cooke, who had been with the sheriff's office since December 2014, was transported to Augusta University Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
The shooting occurred following a heated
verbal altercation between Cooke and another individual. Investigations revealed that Cooke was not acting in his capacity as a law enforcement officer at the time of the incident. He was acquainted with the individuals involved but not related to them. A neighbor reported hearing approximately five or six gunshots during the confrontation. Cooke was shot multiple times, with wounds to his legs and back.
In the immediate aftermath, a significant law enforcement response was launched to apprehend the individuals who had fled the scene. Four people, including two cousins, later surrendered to a Burke County Sheriff's deputy. The investigation, taken over by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, led to several arrests. Naheem Rashad Caldwell, 17, and Donnelle Osborne, 18, were taken into custody and subsequently charged with malice murder.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Naheem Caldwell's father, Stevie Dustin Caldwell, 46, who was charged with tampering with evidence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He reportedly disposed of shell casings from the scene. Additionally, warrants were issued for the arrest of three other teenagers, Neqwaun O'Neal Roberson, 18, Nikeyla Reeves, 17, and Demerius Taquon Hunter, 17, on charges of hindering the apprehension of a criminal. The motive for the shooting appeared to be a dispute between Cooke and Stevie Caldwell, with Naheem Caldwell claiming he fired at the deputy in defense of his father.
