Argument, beating lead to murder charge

Web posted May 10, 2000

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By Johnny Edwards
Staff Writer

An argument between customers at a south Augusta eatery has led to a murder charge against a 25-year-old house painter.

At the urging of relatives, Earl Jackson Mills III of Augusta surrendered to authorities Tuesday afternoon, according to the Richmond County Sheriff's Department. An aggravated-assault warrant had been issued accusing Mr. Mills of beating a man with a ``sticklike object'' late Sunday outside Sub Station II Wings & Burgers at 2516 Peach Orchard Road.

``We knew he was in very bad shape at the hospital,'' sheriff's Sgt. Wayne Pinkston said of the victim, Richard Williams Jr., 42, a mechanic from Augusta. ``He died about the same time (Mr. Mills) came in.''

Investigators said they believe Mr. Mills and Mr. Williams were strangers before Sunday. Witnesses said the two got into a shouting match at the restaurant at about 11 that night, police reported.

When both men left the building, one took a long, blunt object -- possibly a baseball bat -- and struck the other at least twice in the head, police and witnesses said. The weapon has not been found.

Paramedics found the victim semiconscious and suffering from severe head trauma, Rural/Metro Ambulance spokeswoman Valerie Spratlin said. The victim was taken to Medical College of Georgia Hospital, where he stayed more than a day and was declared dead at 2:08 p.m. Tuesday.

His death was Richmond County's eighth homicide of the year.

Mr. Mills was being held in the Richmond County jail without bond.

Reach Johnny Edwards at (706) 823-3225 or jedwards92@hotmail.com.