An Augusta man was shot to death in his car Thursday afternoon on Carrie Street, authorities said.
James Bartrell Smiley III, 28 (pictured) was shot on the 1000 block of Carrie Street in Augusta. Authorities were called there at 2:30 p.m. and Smiley was pronounced dead at 2:46 p.m., Coroner Mark Bowen said.
Authorities say Smiley was driving when he was shot, and he “left the road way, struck a parked vehicle and a tree before coming to rest on the shoulder of the road.”
Officers then found Smiley inside the vehicle in the driver’s seat with at least one gunshot wound.
WRDW-TV was quoting deputies on the scene as saying K9 units were on the way to the scene to search for the suspect. The suspect was described as a black male with short dreads dressed in all black.
The slaying is the first homicide of 2017 in Richmond County.
Facebook was flooded with people remembering Smiley. A few comments:
- TaCara Harris: “Reminded again today just how short life can be. When will the violence stop? Rest In Peace to my high school classmate, James Smiley. Praying for strength and comfort for his family and children. He will truly be missed. #RIP Smiley #StopTheViolence”
- Cellus Jones: “R.I.P JAMES SMILEY FORMER BAND MEMBER OF FMB AND WE GREW UP IN DAY CAMP DAYS BELLE-TERRANCE (CANDLELIGHT TBA)”
- Kayla Cherry: “RIP James Smiley… all these kids losing their fathers smh”
An autopsy is planned later in the week.
If you have a better photo of James Smiley or a memory to share on this page, please text it to The Jail Report at 803-487-3224.
For more crime news from the Augusta-Aiken area, pick up this week’s edition of The Jail Report, sold in local gas stations for $1.50.
