Crime
3-year-old Bryson Murray killed in Augusta shooting
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Authorities have released new details in connection with a tragic overnight shooting that left a young child dead and his mother wounded, while also identifying two additional victims of aggravated assault.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies were dispatched to 1102 New Savannah Road around 1 a.m. Wednesday following reports of gunfire.
When deputies arrived, they found 40-year-old Cherrelle Murray and her 3-year-old son, Bryson Murray, suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both victims were transported to Wellstar MCG Health for emergency treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Bryson was pronounced deceased at 2:20 a.m. by Dr. Robyn Hatley.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the official cause of death.
Cherrelle Murray’s condition has not been publicly disclosed.
The case has been turned over to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting.
During the course of the investigation, authorities determined that two additional individuals were also considered victims of aggravated assault: 39-year-old Julie Lace and 40-year-old Willie Lewis, both of whom were inside the residence when it was struck by gunfire.
Neither Lace nor Lewis sustained physical injuries.
Investigators are currently seeking Willie Lewis for questioning.
While he has not been charged at this time, authorities believe he may have information critical to the case.
Lewis is described as a Black male, 40 years old, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 175 pounds, and is known to frequent the Allen Homes area.
Additionally, 30-year-old Shynice Lashay Cannida was initially listed as wanted for questioning.
She has since been located, interviewed by investigators, and released.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information regarding 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.
Crime
Woman Fatally Struck by Semi-Truck on Birmingham Interstate Exit Ramp Identified as Shontea Baker
Authorities have identified the woman who was killed earlier this week after being struck by a semi-truck on an interstate exit ramp in Birmingham.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Friday that the victim was Shontea Renee Baker, 40, a Birmingham resident.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 10:26 a.m. Wednesday on the Arkadelphia Road exit ramp from Interstate 59/20.
Emergency responders pronounced Baker deceased at the scene at 10:42 a.m.
At this time, no further details regarding the circumstances of the crash have been released.
The Birmingham Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident.