Second trial begins over clothing store shootout
By Sandy Hodson| Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

An Augusta man accused of joining his father and 14-year-old cousin in a burglary that turned into a shootout is standing trial this week.

Jordash Tanksley, 24, has pleaded not guilty in Richmond County Superior Court to charges of armed robbery, burglary, aggravated assault and weapon violations.

As the trial began Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Mukti Patel told jurors that Mr. Tanksley, his father and his cousin Derrell L. McNair broke into the F.A.M.E. clothing store on Wrightsboro Road on July 30, 2007, in spite of a warning on the door that the owners were present 24 hours a day.

After two burglaries, Raheim M. Badger and his co-owner felt the need to protect their investment around the clock, Ms. Patel said. July 30 was Mr. Badger's turn to spend the night at the store. About 4 a.m., he was awakened by the sound of breaking glass and the burglar alarm. When he stepped from the office to investigate, the burglars shot at him, Ms. Patel said. He fired back.

Defense attorney Pete Theodocion told jurors they would hear evidence of a crime, but they wouldn't hear any evidence that Mr. Tanksley took part in it. Mr. Tanksley denies being at the store, Mr. Theodocion said.

Among the witnesses expected to testify is Mr. McNair, who was convicted of burglary last month but acquitted of the armed robbery and aggravated assault charges. He has not been sentenced yet.

During the exchange of gunfire, Mr. McNair was shot. He was later dropped at the emergency room at University Hospital.

Mr. Tanksley's father, Clarence Tanksley, 47, has pleaded not guilty. His case will be scheduled for trial again next month.

Reach Sandy Hodson at (706) 823-3226 or sandy.hodson@augustachronicle.com.

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