Argie Jones, a 54-year-old Black woman who was homeless in Augusta, Georgia, was shot on the afternoon of July 27, 2024, on the 1900 block of Ellis Street in the Harrisburg community. Neighbors reported a drive-by shooting; a nearby witness described her as an innocent bystander. She was taken to Wellstar MCH Health Hospital and died of her injuries on July 31, 2024.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office investigation determined the shooting was gang-related and that Ms. Jones was an unintended victim. Arrest warrants say a member of the Everybody on Loyalty Gang sent the Ellis Street address in a group text, knowing others would carry out violence at that location; gang members then fired multiple shots at the home, striking Ms. Jones as she happened to be outside.

By October 2024, authorities arrested 17-year-old Jayden Xavier Bell on charges including murder and unlawful street gang activity for allegedly sending the instigating text. Zayquan McNair was later taken into custody as a suspect during a gang raid. In January 2025, law enforcement pursued another suspect, 18-year-old Tracy Martin, who was arrested after a high-speed chase that ended in a head-on crash; those cases were moving through the courts.

If anyone knew Argie Jones or has information about the July 27 shooting, please share what is known.