A tragic shooting in Augusta, Georgia, has left a 3-year-old child dead and his mother injured, with authorities now investigating the circumstances surrounding the violent incident. The Richmond County Sheriffโs Office reported the shooting occurred at 1102 New Savannah Road in the early hours of Wednesday, where Bryson Murray, aged 3, was killed, and his mother, Cherrelle Murray, was wounded. Additionally, two other individuals inside the residence at the time were considered victims of aggravated assault but were not physically harmed. Authorities are actively seeking a man named Willie Lewis for questioning, believing he may have critical information regarding the case.
What Happened:
At approximately 1 a.m. on Wednesday, deputies from the Richmond County Sheriffโs Office were dispatched to the scene on New Savannah Road following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, law enforcement found 40-year-old Cherrelle Murray and her 3-year-old son, Bryson Murray, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were rushed to Wellstar MCG Health for emergency treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Bryson was pronounced dead at 2:20 a.m. by Dr. Robyn Hatley. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the official cause of death. Cherrelleโs condition has not been publicly disclosed, but authorities have not released further details about her injuries.
In addition to Bryson and Cherrelle, two other individuals, 39-year-old Julie Lace and 40-year-old Willie Lewis, were in the residence when it was struck by gunfire. While both were considered victims of aggravated assault, neither sustained physical injuries.
The Investigation:
The investigation into the shooting has been turned over to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) as detectives continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident. Authorities are working diligently to piece together what occurred during the shooting and identify any potential suspects.
While they have not yet made any arrests, investigators are actively seeking Willie Lewis for questioning. Although Lewis has not been charged, law enforcement believes he may have vital information critical to the case.
Willie Lewis is described as a 40-year-old Black male, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing around 175 pounds, and is known to frequent the Allen Homes area. Investigators have urged anyone who knows of his whereabouts to contact the Richmond County Sheriffโs Office.
Further Developments:
Initially, 30-year-old Shynice Lashay Cannida was listed as a person wanted for questioning in connection with the case. However, she has since been located, interviewed by investigators, and released without charges.
The Richmond County Sheriffโs Office continues to gather information related to the shooting and is asking the public for assistance. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have information about the whereabouts of Willie Lewis to come forward.
Community Response and Impact:
The tragic loss of 3-year-old Bryson Murray has left the Augusta community grieving. Local residents have expressed their sorrow over the senseless violence, and many have voiced support for the family as they cope with the devastating loss. Community leaders are calling for justice and urging residents to assist law enforcement in ensuring that those responsible for the shooting are held accountable.
โWe are heartbroken over the loss of such a young life and stand with the Murray family in this time of grief,โ said one local community leader. โThis kind of violence is unacceptable, and we need to come together to support our neighbors and ensure this doesnโt happen again.โ
Police Appeal for Information:
The Richmond County Sheriffโs Office is urging anyone with information related to the shooting or the whereabouts of Willie Lewis to contact Investigator Tyler Steerman or a member of the Violent Crimes Division at 706-821-1427 or 706-821-1020.
The sheriffโs office has emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving cases like this, as tips and leads from the public are often crucial in helping law enforcement bring justice to victims.
Conclusion:
As the investigation continues into the shooting death of 3-year-old Bryson Murray, authorities are committed to uncovering the circumstances that led to this senseless tragedy. The loss of a young child and the injury of his mother has deeply affected the community, and law enforcement is working tirelessly to find those responsible. The sheriffโs office is calling for anyone with information to come forward, hoping that with the communityโs help, justice will be served for Bryson and his family.
This story is still developing. Stay tuned for updates as new information becomes available.
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