Second Arrest Made in 2024 Murder of Homeless Woman in Augusta
Augusta, GA – A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the July 2024 murder of a 54-year-old homeless woman in Augusta, Georgia. Jaden Polite, 21, was taken into custody Thursday after a brief standoff with law enforcement in Moultrie, Georgia, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Polite, who had been evading authorities, was found hiding at a residence in Moultrie. When deputies arrived to apprehend him, Polite barricaded himself inside the home but surrendered without incident after a brief standoff. A subsequent search of the residence resulted in the seizure of multiple firearms, including two handguns and a shotgun, as well as illegal drugs—ecstasy and a significant quantity of marijuana.
This arrest follows that of Tracy Martin, 18, who was captured on Wednesday after leading authorities on a pursuit that ended in a crash at Washington Road and Bobby Jones Expressway in Augusta. Martin, also connected to the murder of the victim, was apprehended after he and another man attempted to flee from deputies serving search warrants on Sumac Trail in Martinez. The chase ended when Martin’s vehicle collided head-on with another car, though no injuries were reported.
Martin was arrested and is currently being held at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center, charged with murder in connection to the death of the 54-year-old woman, identified as Jones. She was fatally shot during an incident on Ellis Street in July 2024. Deputies with the Southeastern US Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team had been attempting to locate Martin at the time of the pursuit.
According to authorities, the driver of Martin’s vehicle is also facing charges related to the crash, though specific details about those charges have not been disclosed.
The investigation into the woman’s murder remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the motives or circumstances surrounding the crime. Both suspects are expected to face additional charges as the case develops.
As the investigation continues, local officials urge anyone with information to come forward to aid law enforcement in resolving the case.
