Gary Allen Bubba Ryals, Jr., 19, was shot and killed at the Circle K gas station at 100 E. Jarman Street in Hazlehurst, Georgia, on Monday, March 10, 2025. Hazlehurst officers found Ryals with a gunshot wound; he was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead. He was a concrete finisher who enjoyed bull riding and the outdoors and was a father of two with a third child expected with his fiancée.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was asked to lead the inquiry. On March 26, 2025, Ronald Dykes, 21, of Hazlehurst, was arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection with Ryals’ death. Dykes was booked into the Jeff Davis County jail. The GBI describes the investigation as active and ongoing and intends to refer the case to the Brunswick Judicial Circuit for prosecution when complete. Ryals’ family said the arrest was a first step toward justice.

If anyone was at the Circle K on March 10 or has information about what happened, please share what you know with investigators.