AUGUSTA, GA — Authorities have issued a murder warrant for 35-year-old June Antoinette James in connection with the death of her fiancé, 32-year-old Devon LaRoyce Shade. Shade’s body was found in a secluded area of Augusta in April, and the case has quickly escalated into a deeply troubling homicide investigation that has sent shockwaves through the community.
The story began when Shade was reported missing before his body was discovered on April 17, 2025, in a wooded area off McNutt Road. Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen confirmed that Shade had been dead for several days before being found, and an autopsy later revealed that he had been shot at least once. The case was officially ruled a homicide, and since then, the investigation has been unfolding with a series of complex and disturbing developments.
Authorities have stated that Shade and James lived together and had been engaged in a relationship that had recently become strained. A significant turn in the case came when James reportedly accused Shade of inappropriate communications with her daughter, with some allegations suggesting a possible sexual relationship. While these claims have not been publicly confirmed, they have been deemed central to the ongoing investigation, and authorities are continuing to look into them as they try to piece together what led to this tragedy.
Born in Savannah, Georgia, and raised in Augusta and Jefferson County, Devon Shade—known to friends and family as “Shade”—was a well-liked and respected individual. His charisma, work ethic, and deep love for his son made him a beloved figure among those who knew him. Shade was the kind of person who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a magnetic personality and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. His death has left a void not only in the hearts of his family but also in the lives of his friends and acquaintances, who remember him fondly for the warmth he brought into their lives.
Devon Shade attended Jefferson County High School, where he played both basketball and football, and he was baptized during his junior year at Roberson Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Waynesboro. He occasionally served as an usher at the church, reflecting his devotion and sense of responsibility. Shade’s passion for life and commitment to his family were clear in everything he did, and his dedication to those around him made him a pillar of his community.
After initially attending Albany State University on a football scholarship, Shade pivoted toward a career in transportation. He earned his commercial driver’s license in Ohio and became a long-haul truck driver, specializing in flat-bed deliveries. His work ethic and professional drive were hallmarks of his character, and he became well-regarded within the industry. Outside of work, Shade was also an avid car enthusiast, active with the Augusta Chapter of the Crown Vic Boys car club. He was known for sharing custom steering wheel designs with his followers on social media, a testament to his creativity and passion for all things automotive.
Devon Shade is survived by his mother, Deana Lynn Shade-Thomas, his father, Eric Glenn Phillips, several siblings, his paternal grandmother, and his 11-year-old son, Xavier Tilghman. His son, Xavier, was especially close to his father and lovingly referred to him as “Mini-Me.” In a touching message posted to his father’s online memorial, Xavier expressed his grief, saying, “I love you daddy. I miss you so much. I will forever be Mini-Me. Visit me in my dreams.” Xavier’s words captured the deep love and bond that existed between father and son, and the family’s pain in losing such a vibrant and loving individual.
Shade’s ex-partner, DeJaneé Tilghman, the mother of his son, also expressed her disbelief over the tragic event. She spoke candidly about her feelings, revealing that she believed Shade may have been set up. She noted that Shade was supposed to meet their son in Atlanta around the time of his death. “I didn’t even know he was in Georgia. I thought he was still out of town,” Tilghman said. “He didn’t do drugs. He didn’t drink. All he did was get up, go to work, and call his son.” This revelation further deepens the mystery surrounding Shade’s death and raises more questions about the circumstances leading up to that fateful moment.
When Shade’s family arrived at the residence he shared with James, they were shocked to find that all of his personal belongings had been removed. This discovery added another layer of confusion and suspicion to an already complex and tragic situation. Shade’s family has expressed their concern and frustration at the unanswered questions surrounding his death, and they continue to search for justice.
A memorial service for Devon Shade was held on April 26, 2025, at Roberson Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Waynesboro, where family, friends, and members of the community gathered to celebrate his life and mourn his loss. The service was a poignant reminder of the impact Shade had on those around him, and it provided an opportunity for loved ones to come together in remembrance of a life cut tragically short.
As of now, June Antoinette James remains at large, and authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating her. The murder warrant for James has been issued, and law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Crime Stoppers are actively working to gather leads in the case, and investigators are focused on bringing justice to Shade’s family and ensuring that those responsible for his death are held accountable.
In a statement, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office emphasized their commitment to solving the case and expressed their condolences to the family of Devon Shade. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Devon Shade during this incredibly difficult time,” said a spokesperson from the Sheriff’s Office. “Our detectives are working tirelessly to gather information, and we ask anyone with relevant details to come forward and assist us in our investigation.”
The case remains under investigation, and as the search for June Antoinette James continues, the community holds its breath, hoping that justice will be served for Devon Shade. His family, friends, and all who knew him are left with an overwhelming sense of loss, but they remain determined to keep his memory alive and ensure that his death is not in vain. Anyone with information about James’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers to help bring this case to a resolution.
As the investigation progresses, the community of Augusta and surrounding areas will continue to reflect on the life of Devon Shade—remembering a man who was loved, respected, and taken too soon from the people who mattered most to him.
