A tragic overnight shooting in Augusta that left a 3-year-old child dead and a woman injured has taken a new turn, with investigators releasing the identities of the victims and revealing two additional victims of aggravated assault.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded around 1 a.m. Wednesday to a reported shooting at 1102 New Savannah Road. Upon arrival, deputies discovered 40-year-old Cherrelle Murray and her 3-year-old son, Bryson Murray, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were rushed to Wellstar MCG Health, where Bryson was pronounced dead at 2:20 a.m. by Dr. Robyn Hatley. An autopsy is being scheduled.
Cherrelle Murray’s current condition has not been released.
The case has been turned over to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) as detectives work to piece together the circumstances that led to the deadly attack.
Investigators later determined that two additional individuals, 39-year-old Julie Lace and 40-year-old Willie Lewis, were also victims of aggravated assault, as they were inside the residence when it was struck by gunfire. Neither Lace nor Lewis was physically injured.
Lewis is still being sought for questioning while 30-year-old Shynice Lashay Cannida was listed as wanted for questioning before being found and released after an interview. Lewis is known to frequent the Allen Homes area and is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing approximately 175 pounds.
Authorities stress that Lewis has not been charged at this time, but he may have information critical to the investigation.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Investigator Tyler Steerman or any member of the Violent Crimes Division at 706-821-1427 or 706-821-1020.
