3 Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Augusta Smoke Shop Owner

Antwan Herndon, Terrance Walker, and Terry McClennon pleaded guilty to the 2025 killing of Abdallah Rubeha.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Three men have been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of an Augusta smoke shop owner during a robbery in January 2025. Antwan Herndon, Terrance Walker, and Terry McClennon all pleaded guilty to the killing of 29-year-old Abdallah Rubeha at his shop on Lumpkin Road.

Why it matters

The murder of Rubeha, described as a "sweet soul" by a friend, sent shockwaves through the south Augusta community. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of violent crime and robberies targeting small businesses in the area.

The details

According to prosecutors, the three suspects drove from Burke County to Richmond County, with McClennon waiting in the car while Herndon and Walker went into the smoke shop. Walker then allegedly pointed a gun at Rubeha and shot him in the face when he refused to open the cash register. Herndon then jumped over the counter to access the register. The suspects fled back to Burke County, stopping at gas stations to spend the stolen money, before being pursued by police in a high-speed chase.

  • The murder occurred around 9:30 p.m. on January 10, 2025.
  • The three suspects entered guilty pleas in early December 2026.

The players

Antwan Herndon

One of the three suspects who pleaded guilty to the murder of Abdallah Rubeha.

Terrance Walker

One of the three suspects who pleaded guilty to the murder of Abdallah Rubeha. Prosecutors say he pointed the gun at Rubeha and shot him in the face.

Terry McClennon

One of the three suspects who pleaded guilty to the murder of Abdallah Rubeha. He waited in the car while Herndon and Walker went into the smoke shop.

Abdallah Rubeha

The 29-year-old owner of the Augusta smoke shop who was murdered during the robbery.

Mia Posey

Rubeha's friend who owned a nearby business and described him as a "sweet soul" who "didn't deserve" what happened to him.

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What they’re saying

“Just a sweet soul was taken from everybody, and he didn't deserve it.”

— Mia Posey, Rubeha's friend and nearby business owner (WRDW)

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the ongoing challenges of violent crime and robberies targeting small businesses in the Augusta area, and the devastating impact it can have on local communities when a "sweet soul" is taken too soon.