NEWS

Augusta man sentenced for child abuse, obstruction

Sandy Hodson
shodson@augustachronicle.com

An Augusta man who held off sheriff deputies while threatening to kill everybody, including his 11-year-old son whom he choked, pleaded guilty to all charges Wednesday.

Darion McNair, 31, initially called 911 for help, fearing someone was after him March 4, 2018. But around 5 a.m. when Richmond County Sheriff deputies returned to the home, McNair threatened to kill everyone and asked his son if he was ready to die. When officers heard the boy screaming, they forced their way into the home and pulled McNair off the child.

One deputy was bitten on a finger, a second was cut and needed stitches and a third suffered a sprained hand and broken glasses, Assistant District Attorney Tom Watkins said.

At the time of the crimes, McNair was on probation for voluntary manslaughter. He was initially charged with murder in the July 9, 2007 fatal shooting of 18-year-old Stedmund Fryer at a Tobacco Road nightclub.

McNair pleaded guilty Wednesday in Richmond County Superior Court to cruelty to children, aggravated assault, and two counts obstruction of an officer. Judge Sheryl B. Jolly sentenced McNair to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years on probation.