Second suspect arrested in connection with April shooting at Augusta Mall

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the Augusta Mall shooting in April.

According to arrest reports, 21-year-old Kaysean Quashar Nealy was arrested on Wednesday.

State orders arrest on April 28 at approximately 1:30 p.m. Nealy attacked the victim with a deadly weapon, firing at least one bullet from a handgun into the victim’s back and right arm.

We previously reported that authorities were still looking for 26-year-old Samoney Tanksley in connection with the incident. We’ve reached out to find out if Tanksley is still wanted.

Days after the shooting, deputies announced the arrest of Tybrei Elester Nicole Nelson, 24, of Martinez, on two counts of aggravated assault for her role in the shooting.

She is not charged with being the shooter, but with being present during the shooting and driving the getaway vehicle.

The arrest warrant also accuses Nealy of assaulting another victim by firing at least one round from a handgun at the victim.

According to the findings, the victim did not suffer any visible injuries.

Nealy is charged with two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime.

Records show Nealy is being held at the Richmond County Detention Center.

Bail was set at $5,700 for possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime, according to jail bookings. No bail was set on two counts of aggravated assault.

“It was surreal. The whole situation is surreal,” said Oscar Maldonado, who was at the mall when the drama broke out. “It’s kind of like seeing something like that in a movie – it felt like you were seeing it in a movie.”

A report of shooting closed the Augusta Mall on April 28, 2024. — A report of shooting closed Augusta Mall on April 28, 2024.(WRDW)

This event takes place among an outbreak of violent crime that claimed the lives of over 150 people across the CSRA in two years. This affects communities large and small on both sides of the Savannah River. But as the largest city in the region, Augusta was hit particularly hard.

Authorities largely blame gangs, and many of the victims and suspects are young men.