Cherry Tree Crossing Shooting Victim Dies, Candlelight Vigil Held

Cherry Tree Crossing Shooting Victim Dies, Candlelight Vigil... (Added: December 17, 2008)

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Cherry Tree Crossing Shooting Victim Dies, Candlelight Vigil Held

We have an update on a controversial shooting at the Cherry Tree Crossing housing development, which happened on Sunday. It's an update that includes the latest information on a Richmond County officer who was injured out there Tuesday night. That is the latest development in a night where tensions rose once again, and they rose because of this: Around 9:00 p.m., 23-year-old Justin Elmore died. Deputies say Elmore had drugs and weapons his SUV when they tried to pull him over, Sunday night. They shot Elmore when they say he used the vehicle to ram their cruiser. Those two officers are on administrative duty until the investigation is finished.

By: WJBF Staff | WJBF-TV
Published: December 17, 2008

Augusta, GA -- We have an update on a controversial shooting at the Cherry Tree Crossing housing development, which happened on Sunday. It's an update that includes the latest information on a Richmond County officer who was injured out there Tuesday night. That is the latest development in a night where tensions rose once again, and they rose because of this:

Around 9:00 p.m., 23-year-old Justin Elmore died. Deputies say Elmore had drugs and weapons his SUV when they tried to pull him over, Sunday night. They shot Elmore when they say he used the vehicle to ram their cruiser. Those two officers are on administrative duty until the investigation is finished.

Since the shooting, tempers have been flaring. Police have stepped up patrols in the area and investigators say people have been setting dumpsters on fire and throwing objects at officials.

Tuesday Night, after hearing the news about the Elmore's passing, residents in the Cherry Tree area held a candlight vigil in the community. About 100 residents gathered to remember Elmore.

Deputies are all over Cherry Tree area, and the Richmond County Sheriff's Office has called in help from several other agencies around the state.

The GBI has assigned four agents to investigate the shooting. Agent Gary Nicholson says he doesn't know how long the investigation will take because there are still more witnesses to talk to.

There is dashcam video from the officers' cars but the GBI says it won't be released because it is evidence in the case. Nicholson says his agency's job is to gather the facts and make sure no criminal laws were broken.

We have also been told that a Richmond County deputy, who was at Cherry Tree helping to control the crowd was taken to MCG. Details are sketchy at this point, but Sheriff Ronnie Strength tells us the deputy suffered from a medical condition and was not injured in the night's events.

We will have more on Good Morning Augusta with Mary Morrison, Wednesday morning, and will continue to follow developments all throughout the day, on Wednesday.