Tyrone Bradley Whitaker, 44, was found dead on the side of Boy Scout Road near Rae’s Creek in Augusta on the morning of August 8, 2026. The Richmond County Coroner’s Office confirmed he had sustained at least one gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene at about 7:52 a.m. An autopsy was scheduled to determine further details.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office opened a homicide investigation and made a same-day arrest. At about 2:00 p.m. on August 8, 19-year-old Demarion Drinks was taken into custody at his residence with SWAT and Criminal Investigation Division assistance. Whitaker was noted to be a gay man and would have marked his eighth wedding anniversary the following month. The relationship, if any, between Whitaker and the accused has not been disclosed.

Anyone who knew Whitaker or who has information about what happened that morning is asked to come forward.