Heartbreak in Augusta: Sister Remembers 73-Year-Old Murder Victim

Heartbreak in Augusta: Sister Remembers 73-Year-Old Murder Victim

In the city of Augusta, the community is reeling from the tragic loss of 73-year-old James Clarence West, who was shot and killed on Tuesday morning. His sister, Rev. Belinda West-Womack, is speaking out about her brother and the heartache that has enveloped their family following this senseless act of violence.

James West, a beloved figure in his community, was found lying in the street around 11:22 a.m. on the 1500 block of Picquet Avenue. Tragically, he was pronounced dead just over 20 minutes later, making it a grim statistic as the 49th homicide in Richmond County this year. It’s hard to wrap your head around how quickly life can change; one moment he was enjoying meaningful conversations with his sister, the next, his life was taken prematurely.

Details Surrounding the Shooting

The authorities have arrested 27-year-old Harold Leverett Jr. in connection with the incident, charging him with murder and possession of a firearm. Leverett, who has a record as a convicted drug dealer, previously faced convictions for selling marijuana and for possessing a firearm. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation, leaving families and friends shaken to their core.

A Loving Bond Broken

Rev. West-Womack, who resides in Tampa, Florida, expressed her deep sorrow in a heartfelt statement. She painted a picture of her brother as a kind, generous soul—“the sort of man who would give you the shirt off his back,” she shared fondly. “He wasn’t perfect, but he was doing his best with the hand that he had been dealt.”

The morning of his death, the two siblings shared an emotional conversation, praying together and reaffirming their love for one another. “He told me how much he loved his younger son and daughter,” she reminisced. “He wished he could get in touch with his oldest son.” In her brother’s final moments, there was more to be thankful for than sorrow, as they embraced the joys of family during their chats. Who would have imagined that the day would end in utter tragedy?

A Devastating Loss

After learning of her brother’s murder, West-Womack described her shock and disbelief. “The only call I got was to tell me that he’d been murdered…an ending that my brother did not deserve,” she sorrowfully stated. The pain has been compounded for the family as they not only mourn James’s death, but also reflect on a year filled with loss, including the recent passing of their youngest brother from cancer in July.

“It’s been a rough year from the start,” she laments, “But by God’s mercy and presence, He’s holding us now.” Yet, in the midst of her grief, West-Womack found it in her heart to extend compassion even to the man accused of taking her brother’s life. “I’m praying for the young man who shot my brother,” she expressed, acknowledging that his actions have also caused pain for his own family. “They are suffering as well.”

A Year of Rising Violence

The shooting adds to a troubling trend in Richmond County, where violence has surged this year. With nearly four weeks left in the year, Augusta is on track to surpass last year’s homicide count, which was 38. The grim reality is that each statistic represents a life lost and a family forever changed.

As the investigation unfolds, Rev. West-Womack’s poignant words resonate: “Kindness and encouragement should be a part of every conversation. You never know when it might be your last.” This heartbreaking event serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of crime on our communities and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.