In the hours before dawn on August 20, 2025, the stillness of Augusta, Georgia, was shattered by a senseless act of violence on New Savannah Road. A 3-year-old boy, Bryson Murray, lost his life, and his mother, Cherrelle Murray, was left fighting for hers after a shooting that has left the community reeling. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is now racing against time to uncover the truth behind this devastating tragedy, with two individuals wanted for questioning in a case that has gripped the hearts of many.
It was just after 1 a.m. when deputies responded to a chilling call at 1102 New Savannah Road. Upon arrival, they discovered a scene of horror: Cherrelle Murray, 40, and her young son, Bryson, both struck by gunfire. The mother and child were rushed to Wellstar MCG Health, where medical staff fought to save them. Tragically, Bryson, a vibrant toddler with his whole life ahead of him, was pronounced dead at 2:20 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled to shed light on the precise circumstances of his death. Cherrelle’s condition, shrouded in uncertainty, has not been publicly disclosed, leaving neighbors and loved ones clinging to hope for her recovery.
As investigators pieced together the chaotic moments of that fateful night, they learned that two others were present in the home when the shots rang out. Julie Lace, 39, and Willie Lewis, 40, were identified as victims of aggravated assault, though neither suffered physical injuries. Their presence in the home has raised questions about the events leading up to the gunfire, with authorities working tirelessly to untangle the web of relationships and motives.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has named Willie Lewis and Shynice Lashay Cannida, 30, as persons of interest in the investigation. Described as frequent visitors to the Allen Homes area, Lewis stands at 5 feet 7 inches and weighs approximately 175 pounds, while Cannida is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 164 pounds. Authorities have been clear: neither has been charged, but their knowledge of the incident could be pivotal in unlocking the truth. The sheriff’s office has issued an urgent call to the public, asking anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact Investigator Tyler Steerman or the Violent Crimes Division at 706-821-1427 or 706-821-1020.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community surrounding New Savannah Road. Neighbors, many too shaken to speak on camera, shared their grief and fear with local reporters. One resident, identified only as Freeman, recounted the escalating tensions in the neighborhood that afternoon, describing an argument that spiraled into deadly violence. “It was earlier that afternoon when everything started escalating,” he said, his voice heavy with frustration. “Beefing going on in the neighborhood here.” Freeman, who has been working to curb violence in the area, expressed anguish over yet another young life lost to gun violence, a scourge that has plagued the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) in recent years.
The tragedy strikes an especially cruel blow to Cherrelle Murray, who had already endured the loss of her husband just months prior. Now, grieving the death of her son and battling her own injuries, she faces an unimaginable road ahead. A neighbor, reflecting on the heartbreak, recounted hearing the gunshots and rushing to check on her own 10-year-old child, a stark reminder of the fear that now lingers in the community. “Something like this was inevitable,” she said, pointing to ongoing conflicts and reckless gunplay in the area.
This devastating incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence in the CSRA, where children have too often become unintended victims of bullets meant for others. The death of Bryson Murray echoes the loss of 10-year-old Lavinia Lowe, killed in a gang-related shooting in Beech Island, and other young lives cut short by the region’s persistent gun violence. Sheriff Eugene Brantley, speaking on a recent teen slaying, emphasized the need for community vigilance, urging parents and leaders to guide youth away from violence. “This heartbreaking tragedy is yet another reminder of how critical it is that we know where our children are, who they’re with, and what they’re involved in,” he said.
As the investigation unfolds, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice. The Criminal Investigation Division is meticulously combing through evidence, following leads, and appealing to the public for any information that could bring clarity to this senseless act. For now, the community mourns the loss of Bryson Murray, a bright light extinguished far too soon, and holds its breath for answers that might prevent another family from enduring such profound sorrow.
