Investigator Cecil Ridley, 51, was killed while on duty in Augusta, Georgia on November 19, 2019. Ridley was a member of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office narcotics unit assigned to address a rise in gun violence. While patrolling near the Augusta Mart at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 12th Street, deputies approached a group loitering outside the store and made contact.

As Ridley walked in and Hester turned to exit, Hester opened fire, fatally wounding Ridley. Other deputies returned fire, wounding and taking Hester into custody. Hester, a convicted felon on parole for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was booked and later indicted on multiple counts including malice murder. An 18-year-old, Deonquez Reid, was also arrested and charged with felony tampering with evidence.