AUGUSTA, Ga. — June 15, 2025 — Late-Night Shooting Claims Life of 35-Year-Old Solomon Lanham at Busy Augusta Intersection
AUGUSTA, Ga. — A deep wave of sorrow is sweeping through the Augusta community following a fatal shooting late Sunday night that claimed the life of 35-year-old Solomon Lanham. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of Essie McIntire Boulevard and Luckey Street, has left residents rattled and investigators with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office working around the clock to determine what led to the tragic violence.
According to officials, deputies responded to multiple 911 calls just before midnight on Sunday, June 15, reporting gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Lanham suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel were immediately dispatched, but despite life-saving efforts at the scene and en route to the hospital, Solomon Lanham was pronounced dead shortly after midnight by the Richmond County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities have not yet named a suspect or released details on what may have precipitated the shooting. No arrests have been made as of Monday morning, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Who Was Solomon Lanham?
Family members and friends describe Solomon Lanham as a loving father, a loyal friend, and a man who was working hard to build a better life. A native of Augusta, Lanham was known for his easygoing nature, deep sense of community, and infectious laugh. Though life hadn’t always been easy, those closest to him say he had made significant strides in recent years, working steadily in construction and spending time with his young son, whom he cherished above all else.
“Solomon was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back,” said a longtime friend at a makeshift memorial forming near the crime scene. “He was turning things around for himself. This just doesn’t make sense.”
Neighbors in the area echoed that heartbreak, calling the incident “senseless” and describing the intersection as one that had seen increased activity — and, unfortunately, a rise in violence — in recent months.
An Area of Concern
The intersection of Essie McIntire Boulevard and Luckey Street, located just west of downtown Augusta, has become a focus of community concern in recent years. Once a quiet residential corridor, it has seen several violent incidents that have prompted calls for increased law enforcement presence and community engagement.
“This neighborhood has dealt with its share of struggles,” said one local resident who asked not to be named. “We need more patrols, more outreach — something. People are scared to go outside at night.”
In response, Richmond County officials have promised to review surveillance footage from surrounding businesses and homes and are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or heard anything suspicious to come forward.
Ongoing Investigation
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released suspect information or stated whether the shooting appeared to be targeted or random. Detectives are canvassing the area for evidence and seeking assistance from the public to help piece together Lanham’s final hours.
Investigators are asking that anyone with information, video footage, or tips related to the incident contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1080 or submit anonymous information through Crime Stoppers at 1-866-939-5050.
“We are treating this as a top priority,” said Sheriff Richard Roundtree in a statement Monday. “We owe it to the victim and his family to bring the person or persons responsible to justice. We urge the public to come forward with any information, no matter how small.”
Community Reaction
In the wake of Solomon Lanham’s death, community members and anti-violence advocates have reiterated the urgent need for stronger preventive measures and community-based solutions to gun violence in Augusta. Candlelight vigils and prayer gatherings are being organized in his memory, and local churches are opening their doors to offer grief counseling.
“This is becoming all too common,” said Pastor Elaine Johnson of New Light Ministries. “We cannot keep burying our young people. We need healing, and we need action.”
As the investigation continues and the community mourns the loss of another life to gun violence, friends and family are left holding onto memories — and each other — as they seek justice and closure.
“We just want answers,” said Lanham’s sister. “And we want his death to mean something. We want it to stop here.”
This is a developing story. Authorities are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses.