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Written by: E. George
Published November 20, 2024 @ 3:35 PM ET
RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. – A 17-year-old male who has been identified as the leader of a criminal gang is facing charges of murder and unlawful street gang activity after a bystander was killed in a targeted attack on Ellis Street in Augusta on July 27. Jayden Xavier Bell allegedly ordered fellow gang members to commit violence at the address of a rival gang, and 54-year-old Argie Ann Jones reportedly happened to be walking by at the time.
Jones sustained multiple gunshot wounds to her legs and torso and was found by Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies lying in front of the residence unresponsive. Augusta Fire personnel and Central EMS responded and transported the victim to the AUMC emergency room; she passed away four days later.
According to reports, Jones’s son, who resides in New York, explained that his mother had battled drug addiction and was homeless. He had not seen his mother in six years and learned about her passing from his brother.
He discussed the family’s desire for justice. While Bell remains detained without bond at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center, no additional suspects have been named.
Bell faced a previous arrest in June for felony marijuana possession and immediately bonded out. This case is pending.
After the shooting, deputies checked with the occupants of the targeted home, which had been struck by multiple bullets, with additional expended cartridge casings in the road. None of the six occupants were injured.
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
At 1304 hours on 8-1-2024 Deputies responded to the area of Ellis Street and Metcalf Street, Augusta, GA. 30904 in reference to shots fired with 1 female victim down.
Upon arrival Deputies located [VICTIM #1] laying in front of [REDACTED BY AGENCY] Ellis Street with multiple gunshot wounds to her torso and legs. Central EMS Med 24 and the Augusta Fire Department responded to the the scene and transported [VICTIM #1] to AUMC Emergency Room for treatment. At the time of transport [VICTIM #1] was reported to be unresponsive.
Deputies on scene notified CID and Investigator Christopher Brown responded to [1900 BLOCK] Ellis Street. Upon Inv. Brown’s arrival he noted the residence of [1900 BLOCK] Ellis Street had been struck by multiple projectiles with additonal expended cartidge casings being located outside of the residence in the roadway. Inv. Brown made contact with the occupants of the residence and located the following victims inside of the residence; [VICTIM #2], [VICTIM #3], [VICTIM #4], [VICTIM #5], [VICTIM #6] and [VICTIM #7]. At the time of report none of the other victims appeared injured or complained of injury.
Road Patrol turned the Investigation over to CID Investigator Christopher Brown.
[End of Narrative]