The death of 29-year-old Abbie Newman has sent shockwaves through Augusta, Georgia, and beyond. Known to many as the “OnlyFans Thief” due to a viral mugshot that catapulted her into internet fame following a shoplifting incident, Newman’s life took a tragic turn when her body was discovered on Monday inside her Augusta home. What seemed like a sensational story of a woman who had unexpectedly gained notoriety through social media now unfolds into a harrowing tragedy of domestic violence, heartbreak, and the untimely death of a young mother. Newman’s life was cut short, leaving her loved ones and the broader community grappling with grief and disbelief.
Abbie Newman was not merely an internet sensation. She was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend, someone whose dreams and aspirations were intertwined with the love she had for her 6-year-old son, Marcus Alexander Newman. Her death, now being investigated as a domestic homicide, has ignited conversations about the silent struggles of women trapped in abusive relationships and the horrific consequences that can arise when those cries for help go unheard or are inadequately addressed.
The events leading up to Newman’s death paint a grim picture of domestic abuse, fear, and ultimately, a life taken far too soon. Her former partner, 34-year-old Brandon Jenkins, has been arrested and charged in connection with her death, intensifying the sorrow and anger felt by those who knew and loved her. This is the story of Abbie Newman, a woman whose life was tragically taken, and the broader lessons her death reveals about domestic violence, social media, and the battle for safety and justice.
The Woman Behind the Viral Mugshot: Who Was Abbie Newman?
Abbie Newman was not just the woman immortalized in a viral mugshot. That photo, taken after her arrest for shoplifting in 2023, may have launched her into internet fame, but it did not define her. She was a multi-faceted person, a young mother of one who had dreams, hopes, and struggles like anyone else. Born and raised in Augusta, Georgia, Newman was well known among her community for her outgoing personality, striking looks, and love for her son, Marcus. Friends describe her as someone who could light up a room with her presence, yet behind that charm was a woman who had endured more hardship than many could imagine.
Newman had always been a fighter. She was raising Marcus largely on her own, working multiple jobs, including creating content on platforms like OnlyFans to make ends meet. OnlyFans allowed her to support her small family, but it also thrust her into the public eye in a way she hadn’t fully anticipated. The viral mugshot, which earned her the nickname “OnlyFans Thief,” brought both negative and positive attention. The image, widely shared on social media, depicted Newman with her striking features and confident pose, earning her thousands of followers online.
Yet despite the fame, life was anything but glamorous for Newman. Behind the scenes, she was trapped in an abusive relationship with Brandon Jenkins, Marcus’s father. Friends and family say that while Newman was putting on a brave face for the world, she was quietly enduring years of mental, emotional, and physical abuse at the hands of Jenkins. Those close to her saw the signs—the bruises she’d try to cover up, the emotional distress that would occasionally seep through her otherwise vibrant persona. But like so many victims of domestic violence, she often remained silent about the abuse, fearful of the consequences if she tried to leave.
The Tragic Discovery
On Monday, the Augusta Police Department responded to an emergency call made by a concerned neighbor who had found Newman’s 6-year-old son, Marcus, locked outside the house, crying and distressed. According to reports, the young boy had been left outside for hours. When officers arrived at the home on Blossom Drive, they made a horrifying discovery. Abbie Newman’s lifeless body was found inside the house, showing multiple signs of trauma. Authorities now believe that her death was the result of a domestic homicide, with Jenkins as the prime suspect.
It wasn’t long before police apprehended Jenkins, who had fled the scene. According to preliminary investigations, Jenkins had allegedly strangled Newman to death, an act of violence that occurred after years of documented domestic abuse. Neighbors reported hearing raised voices and what sounded like a struggle the night before, but it wasn’t until the next day that the true horror of the situation became clear.
For young Marcus, the trauma of finding his mother dead inside the home and being left outside by his father is unimaginable. Reports indicate that Jenkins had intentionally left Marcus outside the house before committing the murder. In the hours leading up to the tragic incident, Jenkins had reportedly exhibited signs of aggression, and it is believed that the altercation between him and Newman escalated into fatal violence.
Jenkins was arrested and has since been charged with multiple counts, including domestic homicide and child cruelty. His arrest has only deepened the community’s grief, as it became clear that Newman had been trying to protect herself and her son from a man who had terrorized them for years.
A History of Abuse: The Troubled Relationship Between Newman and Jenkins
Newman’s relationship with Brandon Jenkins was fraught with turbulence from the beginning. Friends and family had long been concerned about the level of control Jenkins exerted over her. While their relationship initially seemed promising, it quickly became toxic as Jenkins began displaying increasingly erratic behavior, characterized by jealousy, possessiveness, and violent outbursts.
Over time, the abuse escalated. Newman confided in close friends about the emotional and physical abuse she endured, but like many victims of domestic violence, she found it difficult to leave. There were multiple police reports filed over the years, each documenting instances of violence, threats, and harassment from Jenkins. The situation reached a tipping point in July 2024, when Newman finally obtained a restraining order against him after a particularly violent altercation.
Despite the restraining order, Jenkins remained a constant threat. He frequently violated the terms of the order, showing up unannounced at Newman’s home and workplace, and sending threatening messages. Newman lived in constant fear for her safety, but she was determined to give Marcus the best life she could. Her plan to relocate to a new home near the coast was driven by her desire to protect her son and start fresh, far away from Jenkins’s influence.
A Mother’s Love: Newman’s Life Revolved Around Her Son
At the heart of Abbie Newman’s life was her 6-year-old son, Marcus. For all the struggles she faced, her love for Marcus was the one constant. Friends and family recall how she would light up whenever she talked about her son. Newman worked tirelessly to provide for him, balancing her work on OnlyFans with other jobs to make sure Marcus had everything he needed. She was deeply committed to being the best mother she could, despite the challenges she faced.
Newman’s friends say that her dream was to move to a more peaceful area, away from the city, where Marcus could grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. She wanted to give him the kind of childhood she never had, free from violence and fear. The plan to relocate had been in the works for months, and Newman had even begun looking at homes near the Georgia coast. She saw the move as a fresh start, a chance to rebuild her life and create a better future for her son.
The tragedy of Newman’s death is compounded by the fact that Marcus has now lost his mother. The emotional scars left by this traumatic event will undoubtedly be deep, and the road to healing will be long. Family members have stepped forward to take custody of Marcus, and counseling services have been arranged to help him cope with the unimaginable loss of his mother.
The Community Reacts: Grief, Anger, and Calls for Justice
Newman’s death has left the Augusta community reeling. Friends, neighbors, and supporters have expressed their shock and sorrow at the news, with many struggling to comprehend how such a tragedy could have occurred. Vigils have been held in her memory, with candles, flowers, and handwritten notes left outside her home as a tribute to her life.
Social media has been flooded with messages of grief, anger, and calls for justice. Many of her followers on Instagram and OnlyFans were shocked to learn of her passing, having followed her journey for years. Some expressed frustration at the legal system, questioning how someone like Jenkins, with a history of violence, was able to remain such a constant presence in her life despite the restraining order.
In the wake of Newman’s death, domestic violence advocacy groups have renewed their calls for stronger protections for victims of abuse. Newman’s story, while heartbreaking, is not unique. Many victims of domestic violence face similar struggles, trapped in abusive relationships where leaving can often feel like an impossible option.
Remembering Abbie Newman: A Life Cut Short
As the investigation into her death continues, those who knew Abbie Newman are focused on remembering her for the person she was, not the tragic circumstances of her death. She was a devoted mother, a loving daughter, and a woman who had dreams and aspirations. Despite the struggles she faced, she remained hopeful for a better future, one where she and her son could live in peace.
Newman’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and an official obituary will be released in the coming days. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Marcus’s future and ensure that he receives the care and support he needs in the aftermath of this devastating event.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Love and Strength
Abbie Newman’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the need for stronger support systems for those who are trapped in abusive relationships. Her life, though cut short, will be remembered for the love she had for her son, her resilience in the face of adversity, and the impact she had on those who knew her. While the pain of her loss is immense, her story has sparked conversations about how to better protect victims of domestic violence, so that no one else has to endure the same fate.
