In Loving Memory of Jewel Harden and Thomas Lilly Jr.: A Tragic Loss in Aiken County
AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. — The Aiken County community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 76-year-old Jewel Harden and 33-year-old Thomas Lilly Jr., whose lives were tragically cut short in a devastating shooting at a Sprint gas station on Edgefield Road in North Augusta on Saturday. The incident, which also led to an officer-involved shooting, has left residents stunned and grieving as investigators work to piece together what led to the deadly chain of events.
According to the North Augusta Department of Public Safety, officers were dispatched to the gas station following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, the first responding officer encountered a man armed with what police described as an AR-style pistol. When the suspect raised the weapon toward the officer, the officer fired, striking the man. Additional officers quickly arrived on scene, secured the area, and provided aid until the suspect was transported to a nearby hospital. His condition and identity have not yet been released.
Once inside the gas station, responding officers made a tragic discovery: two victims suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by law enforcement and emergency responders, both were pronounced dead at the scene. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office later identified the victims as Ms. Jewel Harden, age 76, and Mr. Thomas Lilly Jr., age 33.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the relationship between the victims and the shooter, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been called in to investigate both the double homicide and the officer-involved shooting.
For the residents of Aiken County and North Augusta, the news has brought shock, sorrow, and a deep sense of loss. The violent scene that unfolded at a local gas station—a place of everyday routine—has left the community grappling with the sudden loss of two innocent lives.
Neighbors and community members have begun leaving flowers and candles near the gas station in honor of the victims. “It’s just heartbreaking,” said one local resident. “Miss Jewel was such a sweet lady, always kind and friendly. And Thomas—he was so young. They didn’t deserve this.”
Jewel Harden, known to many as “Miss Jewel,” was a beloved elder in her community. Friends and family describe her as warm-hearted, gentle, and deeply faithful. She had lived in Aiken County for most of her life and was known for her generosity and her unwavering care for those around her. “She was like a grandmother to everyone,” said a close friend. “Always smiling, always helping others, no matter what.”
Thomas Lilly Jr., at just 33 years old, was remembered as hardworking, humble, and full of promise. Loved ones described him as a man devoted to his family, with dreams of building a better future for himself and those he loved. “Thomas was the kind of person who’d give you the shirt off his back,” said a relative. “He had such a good heart. Losing him this way is unbearable.”
The North Augusta Public Safety Department expressed condolences to the victims’ families in a statement:
“Our hearts are with the families of those whose lives were taken in this tragic incident. We also extend our gratitude to the officers who responded with bravery under dangerous circumstances. This is a heartbreaking day for our community.”
The shooting marks the 40th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina in 2025, and the first for the North Augusta Public Safety Department this year. In 2024, there were 45 such incidents statewide, but North Augusta had recorded none, making this tragedy even more shocking for the department and the residents it serves.
As investigators work to uncover the motive behind the deadly encounter, the community continues to unite in mourning, holding vigils and offering prayers for peace. Churches across Aiken County have announced special services in memory of Jewel and Thomas, honoring their lives and calling for strength, comfort, and healing for their loved ones.
Though their time on earth was ended by an unimaginable act of violence, Jewel Harden and Thomas Lilly Jr. will be remembered not for how they died, but for the love, kindness, and light they brought into the lives of those around them. Their memories will live on in the hearts of family, friends, and neighbors who refuse to let their names be forgotten.
May they rest in eternal peace, and may their families find solace in the love and support surrounding them during this time of profound sorrow. 💔