A dispute that began with fists tragically escalated to gunfire at the Augusta Mall, claiming the life of 17-year-old Devon McClain on a Tuesday afternoon. The altercation, which involved several individuals, broke out near the escalators on the bottom floor of the mall. Amid the chaos, a firearm was drawn, and McClain was shot at least once.
Richmond County Sheriff's deputies were called to the scene at approximately 1:15 p.m. Upon arrival, a deputy with the Richmond County Marshal's Office began administering CPR to the wounded teenager. McClain was transported to Wellstar MCG, where he was pronounced dead at 2:40 p.m. The male victim's full name was Devon Donelle McClain.
The investigation into the shooting moved swiftly, aided by mall security footage. Two individuals were taken into custody shortly after the incident, while authorities continued to search for two other persons of interest. One of the suspects, 16-year-old Tyric Kendarius Logan, was apprehended at the scene and is facing murder charges in connection with McClain's death. Another suspect was caught while fleeing towards a nearby gas station.
Further investigation revealed that McClain had his own recent history with law enforcement. In June of the same year, he had been arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. The charges stemmed from a shooting in the Harrisburg neighborhood that left two juveniles injured. Hours after McClain's death, a retaliatory shooting occurred, leading to the arrest of two teenagers, one of whom was McClain's younger brother. The teens were charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault after allegedly firing 22 shots into an occupied home.
