RICHMOND COUNTY, GA (WFXG) - UPDATE: Richmond County investigators have confirmed the identity of the body that was found in a shallow grave in the backyard of a residence on the 1700 block of Tobacco Rd. 

The Coroner's Office has identified the woman as 67-year-old Miriam Lynn Lockhart. 

Miriam's daughter, 43-year old Melissa Lockhart, is charged with concealing her mother's death. 

On Thursday, June 3, around 4 p.m., 911 received a medical call to the 1700 block of Tobacco Road. EMS, Richmond County Fire, and the Richmond County Sheriff's Office responded for a suspicious situation. Upon officer's arrival they located, Melissa Lockhart, inside the residence injured.

Melissa Lockhart was transported to Augusta University Medical Center for treatment with a broken right knee.

While on scene, officials observed that there was a recently dug grave in the backyard. Officers on scene had been given word of a possible recent death at the
residence. Upon further examination, female's remains were located in the recently dug grave.


During an interview with Melissa Lockhart, Melissa Lockhart identified the female remains to be that of her mother, Miriam Lockhart. Melissa Lockhart says she found Miriam Lockhart dead in bed on Monday, May 31 or Tuesday, June 1.


Melissa Lockhart also says she did not want anyone to take Miriam Lockhart from her or to cut (perform an autopsy) on her, so she buried Miriam Lockhart in the backyard.

An autopsy has been scheduled at the GBI.

No other information is being released at this time. Stick with FOX 54 for updates.

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UPDATE: We now know that the suspicious situation on Tobacco Rd. involved an injured woman.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies responded to the area at 4:25 p.m. and found a woman with injures to her body. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment, but her condition is unknown.

Heavy sheriff's office presence at South Augusta home 6/3/21
Heavy sheriff's office presence at South Augusta home 6/3/21 FOX 54 viewer

The investigation is still ongoing.

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There is a heavy Richmond County Sheriff's Office presence at a home off of Tobacco Rd. in South Augusta.

The home has crime scene tape around it. The sheriff's office tells FOX 54 they are responding to a "suspicious situation."

We have a crew on its way to the scene. We will update when more information is available.

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