On the evening of Thursday, April 2, 2026, 24-year-old Justin Ray Bryant of Aiken was shot and killed at a residence in the 900 block of Kedron Church Road. Responding officers found Bryant with at least one gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:28 p.m. The death was described by those who knew him as unexpected and devastating. His obituary noted he was born June 27, 2001, enjoyed outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing, liked shooting pool and admiring cars, and was connected to Oak Grove Baptist Church.

Investigators moved quickly from an active death investigation into arrests. A third suspect, another 16-year-old juvenile, was later charged with murder. No clear motive has been released and the investigation was described as ongoing.

Did anyone in the community know Justin or have information about the events near Kedron Church Road that evening?