Augusta County, VA – Authorities in Augusta County, Virginia, are investigating a deadly altercation that resulted in the deaths of two young men in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 5, 2025. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the identities of the deceased as River Scott May, 26, of Mount Sidney, and River Steven Higgins, 23, of Dayton.

Deputies were dispatched at 2:20 a.m. to a stabbing report at a residence on the 100 block of Old Quarry Road. However, while law enforcement was en route, individuals at the residence placed the injured man—later identified as River Scott May—into a private vehicle in an attempt to transport him to Augusta Health.

During that drive, the vehicle stopped in the 2500 block of Springhill Road, where deputies intercepted the group. Upon arrival, they removed May from the vehicle and immediately began lifesaving efforts, quickly joined by members of the Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad. Despite all attempts, May was pronounced dead at the scene.

As deputies worked the scene on Springhill Road, the driver of the vehicle informed them that he had shot the person allegedly responsible for stabbing May. Based on that information, additional deputies were dispatched to the original incident location on Old Quarry Road. There, they discovered a second man, identified as River Steven Higgins, deceased from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the head.

Both men, according to investigators, were known to each other. Authorities believe this was an isolated incident, and no immediate threat to the wider community is present.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that no charges have yet been filed, and both crime scenes were secured and processed by investigators. The case is now under close review by Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney Timothy Martin, who will determine the legal course of action moving forward.

At this time, detectives are working diligently to piece together the events that led to the fatal stabbing and subsequent shooting. Officials have not released any additional information regarding the motive or the precise sequence of events, pending further investigation and potential autopsy results.

The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to this incident—whether it be firsthand accounts, surveillance footage, or other relevant tips—to come forward and contact their office at (540) 245-5333.

This tragic event has rocked the close-knit communities of Mount Sidney and Dayton. Two young lives lost under violent circumstances have left friends, families, and neighbors grieving, with many searching for answers and closure.

As the legal review continues, community members are asked to allow investigators the space to complete their work thoroughly, respectfully, and in pursuit of justice.