Donese Bentley Identified in Fatal Augusta Stabbing
Donese Nathan Bentley, a 79-year-old Augusta resident, community advocate, and long-time church member, died Wednesday, October 21, following a stabbing at a residence on Woodhaven Court, The Count reported. Richmond County deputies responded to the 3300 block of Woodhaven Court around 3:03 p.m. following a report of a stabbing. Authorities found Bentley unresponsive with injuries, and emergency medical personnel transported him to Wellstar MCG Health. The Richmond County Coroner’s Office pronounced Bentley dead at 3:36 p.m., while The Count noted a coroner’s pronouncement time of 3:56 p.m.
Joshua Oglesby Arrested and Charged With Murder
Joshua Oglesby, 33, of Augusta, was arrested at the scene on Wednesday and charged with murder in connection with Bentley’s death, The Count reported. Deputies detained Oglesby immediately and transferred him to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division for questioning. Following the interview, authorities booked Oglesby into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on the murder charge. Investigators have not released additional details concerning what triggered the altercation between family members inside the residence, which is located a few blocks east of the Augusta Mall.
Community Leadership and Faith Background
Beyond the ongoing homicide investigation, Bentley was recognized within Augusta’s faith and civic communities. He was a member of the Rock of Ages Christian Methodist Episcopal Church on Johns Road in Augusta. Shortly before his death, Bentley appeared as a featured guest on Barber Shop Talk Live, a local broadcast hosted by John Milton, where he discussed civic engagement, community improvement, and the vital role churches play in voter education and participation. Bentley was the son of the late Carrie L. Bentley, who worked for years as a dental assistant in Chicago and was remembered as the oldest member of Rock of Ages CME Church prior to her death in 2021.
Ongoing Investigation Into the Woodhaven Court Incident
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office maintains an active and ongoing homicide investigation into the events that unfolded at the Woodhaven Court residence. Authorities have yet to disclose the precise motive or the sequence of events that led to the fatal altercation between Bentley and Oglesby.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Augusta Homicide Investigation
What specific charges does Joshua Oglesby face?
Joshua Oglesby, 33, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of 79-year-old Donese Bentley, according to records from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Where did the fatal incident take place?
The altercation occurred at a residential property in the 3300 block of Woodhaven Court in Richmond County, located a few blocks east of the Augusta Mall.
What was Bentley’s involvement in the Augusta community?
Bentley was a member of the Rock of Ages Christian Methodist Episcopal Church on Johns Road and recently appeared on the local broadcast Barber Shop Talk Live to advocate for voter education and civic engagement.
When did emergency responders arrive at the scene?
Richmond County deputies responded to the Woodhaven Court residence around 3:03 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, after receiving a report of a stabbing.
Keep reading