Augusta homicide suspect arrested in Atlanta after January shooting death of 33-year-old man

Arrest made in Atlanta weeks after fatal Augusta shooting

A suspect in a fatal shooting in Augusta has been taken into custody in Atlanta, authorities said, ending a weeks-long search tied to a January homicide on the city’s south side.

Investigators identified the suspect as Isaiah Romont Santos Thomas. He was arrested Tuesday by MARTA Police in Atlanta, then held at the Fulton County Jail on charges of murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Jail records later showed he was transported back to Augusta and booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on Thursday.

What investigators say happened in Augusta

The case stems from a shooting reported on Susan Circle on Jan. 22. The victim, Miguel Jean Karlos Rodriguez-Cruz, 33, of Augusta, was shot at least once, the county coroner said.

Rodriguez-Cruz was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:40 p.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.

Key confirmed details

• The shooting occurred in Augusta on Susan Circle on Jan. 22.
• The victim was identified as Miguel Jean Karlos Rodriguez-Cruz, 33, of Augusta.
• Isaiah Romont Santos Thomas was arrested Tuesday in Atlanta by MARTA Police.
• He faced charges including murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime while held in Fulton County.
• He was later transported and booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center in Augusta on Thursday.

What remains unclear

Authorities have not released details about what led up to the shooting, whether the suspect and victim knew each other, or how investigators connected Thomas to the case. Court filings and any potential bond decisions were not included in the available public updates.

Homicide arrests typically mark the start of a court process that can include a first appearance, bond considerations, indictment decisions, and pretrial motions before any trial date is set.

Next procedural steps

With the suspect now in custody in Augusta, the case is expected to proceed through the local court system. Investigators and prosecutors may release additional information as charging documents are filed and hearings are scheduled. Authorities have not announced any additional arrests connected to the Susan Circle shooting.