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
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.