A 13-year-old boy charged with murder more than two years ago is having his charges reduced and his case transferred to juvenile court.
Antonio Cyrail Williams, now 15, previously faced a murder charge after pushing a 74-year-old convenience store clerk to the ground during a January 2024 shoplifting attempt.
Chong Chon hit her head during the fall at the Get It to Go gas station, 3232 Deans Bridge Road, and died on Feb. 27, 2024.
"After years of considering the evidence, the child’s mental state, and the best path forward for our community, I authorized the reduction in charge to involuntary manslaughter and requested the case be transferred to juvenile court," Augusta
Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jared Williams said in a statement issued on Tuesday. "We make decisions like these daily, paying particular attention to the age, history and circumstances surrounding youthful offenders. This is just one example of how our prosecutors consider the law, the facts and our understanding of the system to achieve the best possible outcomes."
While the teen's age doesn't excuse his reported actions, Williams said "nothing in his actions" seems to indicate an intent to seriously injure or kill Chon. The D.A. credited Superior Court Judge Charles H.S. Lyons III, saying he "saw this case the right way and made the right decision."
To try and sentence the teen as an adult for murder "in the same manner as an armed gunman demanding money from the register is manifestly unjust, unsupported by the evidence and counter to our ultimate goal of public safety," Williams said.
Chon told investigators at the time that she tried to keep Antonio Williams and two women from shoplifting a 12-pack of Bud Light beer, according to an incident report. When she stood in front of the boy and told him to put the beer back, he pushed her to the ground and she hit her head. The boy and the women ran.
Chon's death "was a tragedy for the victim, her family and our entire community," Williams said. "Justice for her life is not simply retribution against a 13-year-old child. Justice means preventing that same child from becoming a perpetual danger to our community. The best way to honor her life is to do everything in our power to prevent future victims."
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Teen accused in clerk's death avoids adult murder prosecution
