Suspect arrested for murder in Elliot Park in Augusta

***WARNING: The following details are graphic and may find disturbing to some readers.***

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A suspect has been arrested after being accused of killing 59-year-old Michael Whitfield on Lumpkin Road on Halloween, we learned from authorities Tuesday.

According to authorities, on November 1st, an employee came in person to report that 31-year-old DeMarcus Deion Thomas had committed a felony murder around 7:15 a.m. on October 31st in Richmond County.

The affidavit states that Thomas, of Augusta, caused the death of 59-year-old Michael Whitfield.

According to the affidavit, he caused Whitfield's death by repeatedly punching him in the face and kicking his face, chest and body until Whitfield succumbed to his injuries.

The affidavit states that Thomas committed a violent robbery when he attempted to physically take candy bars from Whitfield.

Thomas then punched him and took two candy bars from Whitfield's pockets, the affidavit said.

According to the Richmond County Coroner's Office, Whitfield, of Augusta, was found this Thursday morning at Elliot Park in the 2000 block of Lumpkin Road.

Whitfield was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:10 a.m. An autopsy was scheduled.

Officials released two photos of an unidentified man wanted for questioning in connection with the Oct. 31 killing.

The murders come in the midst of a Violent crime outbreak that killed more than 170 people across the CSRA in just over two years.

The crime outbreak has hit communities large and small, but as the region's largest city, Augusta has been hit particularly hard.

authorities have Gangs blamed much of the problem.

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