Justice for Families? Jewel Harden, Thomas B. Lilly Jr. Shooting North Augusta.

We have over 25 years of experience representing victims of security failures across the United States, and we have recovered nearly $250 million dollars for our Clients.  Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available to the families of Jewel Harden and Thomas B. Lilly Jr.

North Augusta, SC NEWS – Gunfire rang out at a gas station Sunday afternoon, October 26, 2025, leaving two people dead.

As reported by WRDW.com, “It all unfolded before 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the [gas station] at 107 Edgefield Road. Upon arrival, North Augusta Department of Public Safety officers encountered an armed suspect in the parking lot. The suspect was shot by an officer but survived and was taken to a hospital.”

According to the report, “[o]fficers say the investigation revealed the two victims had been shot before officers got there. Both died at the scene.”

TheState.com is reporting, “Jewel Harden, a 76-year-old Hephzibah, Georgia resident, and 33-year-old Williston resident Thomas B. Lilly Jr., were identified as the shooting victims who died.”

Potential Legal Claims for Families of Jewel Harden and Thomas B. Lilly Jr.?

OUR LEGAL TAKE

Gas station patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises they are visiting. The level of security provided at the property is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented.  The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:

• Have prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property?
• Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
• Were any security personnel at the property?
• Were security measures added after any prior incidents?
• What protocol was in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting? 
• Have authorities been to the property on prior occasions?

Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises.  Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the property owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its visitors, the families of Jewel Harden and Thomas B. Lilly Jr. may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss.

The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed.  The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the families of Jewel Harden and Thomas B. Lilly Jr. retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.

Successful Legal Outcomes in Similar Cases.

OUR RESULTS? NEARLY $250 MILLION IN VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS FOR OUR CLIENTS

The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence.  We have obtained nearly $250 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including:

• A $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property.
• Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a victim of gun violence at an apartment complex.
• Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a family who lost a loved one to gun violence at a commercial property.

We offer our legal assistance, if desired.  We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover.  Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888-842-1616. You can also read similar potential cases in the Legal Take section of our site.

How to Choose and Hire the Right Attorney (Click Here)

DISCLAIMERS:  The information contained in this post is from secondary sources and may therefore contain inaccuracies. We will gladly correct or remove this post upon request.  The material contained in this post is not intended to constitute legal advice. As each Client is unique, please contact us for a free consultation on your particular case.  “Contingent attorneys’ fees” refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.