Walter Cleveland Smith Jr. was 28 when he was shot and killed on the evening of July 15, 2023, on the 2100 block of Lumpkin Road in Augusta. Born July 9, 1995, he was a familiar face in his community. Richmond County deputies responded to a report of a suspicious situation about 5:00 p.m. and found Smith with at least one gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:59 p.m. An autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office publicly identified Smith in the days after the shooting. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office opened a homicide investigation, but no suspects had been publicly identified or arrested as of the latest reporting. Few details about the circumstances or any possible motive have been released. If anyone knew Walter, saw activity on Lumpkin Road that evening, or has information about the shooting, please come forward to assist the investigation.