Four-year-old Zykee Ryans of Augusta, Georgia, died of a gunshot wound after an incident that began on November 12, 2023; he passed away on November 25, 2023. The Richmond County Coroner confirmed his death and an autopsy was scheduled. Authorities described the shooting as stemming from an unsecured firearm that Zykee apparently found, and investigators initially treated the wound as possibly self-inflicted.

Two people were arrested in connection with the case. Brittany Ryans, 35, was taken into custody shortly after the incident. Ladarion Ryans, 19, was initially sought as armed and dangerous and was later apprehended. Both were charged with five counts of cruelty to children in the second degree; after Zykee’s death those charges were upgraded to include second-degree murder for each individual.

Anyone who knew Zykee or has information that could help the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is asked to come forward.