Augusta, Georgia — Deangelo Roberson, 10, has died after a shooting that unfolded outside a Gordon Highway convenience store, leaving a family and an entire community in shock. He passed away Friday morning at Wellstar MCG Health at 11:46 a.m., after days in critical condition.
The incident began on Tuesday when Deangelo was inside a parked vehicle with his two siblings, ages 9 and 4. Their mother had briefly gone inside the store, leaving the children unattended in the car.
Authorities say a firearm inside the vehicle was accessible to the 4-year-old child. In a sudden and tragic moment, the weapon discharged inside the car. Deangelo was struck in the head and suffered life-threatening injuries.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and rushed him to the hospital. Medical teams worked to stabilize him, and he remained in critical care for several days. Despite all efforts, he did not survive.
Officials have charged 27-year-old Deasia Lexis Williams, the children’s mother, with three counts of cruelty to children in the second degree. Each charge relates to the children being left in a dangerous situation where a firearm was within reach.
Authorities say the investigation is still ongoing as they continue to review how the firearm was stored and how it became accessible inside the vehicle.
In Augusta, grief has spread through the community. Those who knew Deangelo describe him as a young boy whose life ended far too soon, in circumstances that have left many struggling for answers.
As the city processes the loss, attention remains on child safety, firearm access, and the sequence of decisions that led to a tragedy no one expected to unfold in such a devastating way.
