News Summary
In Augusta, gun violence has recently claimed two victims, including 23-year-old Antoine Stokes and 3-year-old Bryson Murray. Authorities have made an arrest in connection with Stokes’ death while actively searching for a suspect linked to the incident. Additionally, another shooting resulted in the tragic death of young Bryson Murray, prompting an investigation that has left the community shaken. Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is calling for public assistance as they address these ongoing concerns about safety and violence in the area.
Augusta, Georgia – One person has been arrested, and another remains at large in connection with the shooting death of 23-year-old Antoine Stokes, who was shot at a Waffle House in Augusta late Wednesday night. Stokes, a resident of Martinez, was discovered by deputies inside a Ford Escape with visible gunshot wounds just before 11:30 p.m. on January 25.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suspicious situation early Thursday morning on Lock and Dam Road, where they located Stokes. He was transported to Wellstar MCG by Emergency Medical Services (EMS), but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead later that afternoon at 3:59 p.m. An autopsy for Stokes has been scheduled to determine the specifics surrounding his death.
On Thursday, authorities arrested 23-year-old Layla Bennett, charging her with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in connection with Stokes’ shooting. Meanwhile, law enforcement continues to search for 26-year-old Jalen Christopher Thomas, who is described as 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Thomas is known to frequent the areas of Tobacco Road and Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway and is considered to be armed and dangerous. Anyone with information regarding Thomas’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.
In a separate but equally tragic event, another shooting incident on the same day resulted in the death of 3-year-old Bryson Murray on New Savannah Road. Murray was pronounced dead at 2:20 a.m., and a 40-year-old woman was also injured in the shooting. Authorities initially sought two individuals for questioning regarding the incident: 40-year-old Willie Lewis and 30-year-old Shynice Cannida. Cannida has since been released after questioning.
Carl Gant has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including murder and aggravated assault, related to the shooting that led to Bryson Murray’s death. The investigations into both shooting incidents are still active, with law enforcement working diligently to gather further evidence and update the community as new information becomes available.
Both cases have generated significant concern in the Augusta area, drawing attention to the ongoing issue of gun violence. Authorities are committed to solving these incidents expeditiously and are calling for community assistance in providing information that could lead to further arrests and enhanced public safety.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: 23-Year-Old Dies After Shooting at Augusta Waffle House
- WFXG: 3-Year-Old Identified in Fatal Augusta Shooting
- WJBF: Augusta Teen Accused of Shooting Stepfather Arrested
- WRDW: One Arrested After Shooting Leaves 23-Year-Old Dead
- WRDW: Man Arrested in Shooting Death of 3-Year-Old Augusta Boy
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Augusta Shooting
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Augusta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Google News: Augusta Shooting 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
