Tyrone Whitaker Obituary, AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tyrone Bradley Whitaker, 44, of Augusta, was fatally shot Saturday morning, and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with the homicide.
Whitaker was identified by Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen after deputies and the coroner’s office responded to Boy Scout Road near Rae’s Creek following a report of a body along the roadway. Authorities found Whitaker deceased at the scene.
According to Coroner Bowen, Whitaker had sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at approximately 7:52 a.m. Saturday. An autopsy has been scheduled to provide additional information regarding the circumstances and cause of his death.
Later Saturday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 19-year-old Demarion Drinks in connection with Whitaker’s death. Investigators said Drinks was taken into custody shortly after 2 p.m. at his residence with assistance from the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and Criminal Investigation Division.
Drinks faces charges of murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Authorities have not released additional information about the events that led to the shooting or disclosed whether there was any relationship between Drinks and Whitaker.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting remain under investigation. Investigators are expected to examine evidence from the scene and other available information as they work to establish a complete timeline of what happened.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has not announced whether additional arrests or charges are expected. More information may be released as the investigation continues.
