In Florida, a man named Darryl Bernard Brookins was arrested by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in connection with a fatal shooting that injured Auburn running back Brian Battie and killed his brother, Tommie L. Battie IV. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of May 18 at the Tallywood Centre Plaza parking lot, leaving four injured and one dead. Tommie Battie was found deceased at the scene, while Brian Battie was among those injured and transported to a hospital. Auburn’s coach Hugh Freeze posted on social media requesting prayers for Brian Battie who was still on a ventilator after a setback.
Brookins has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of a firearm in relation to the shooting. His attorney claimed in court that he was acting in self-defense. Brian Battie sustained a gunshot wound to the head, while his brother Tommie had a single gunshot wound to the chest. Battie had previously played for three seasons at South Florida before transferring to Auburn, where he ran for 227 yards and a touchdown last season, ranking fourth in the Southeastern Conference in kick return average.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Auburn community and beyond, as people continue to offer prayers and support for Brian Battie and his family during this difficult time. The Auburn coaching staff, fans, and fellow teammates are rallying around Battie, hoping for his recovery and well-being in the aftermath of the shooting. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with Brookins currently in custody facing serious charges related to the incident that led to the death of Tommie L. Battie IV and the injuries suffered by Brian Battie and others.
As details surrounding the shooting come to light, the focus remains on providing support for Brian Battie and his family as he continues to recover from his injuries. The Auburn running back’s condition has been a matter of concern for many, with updates from his coach and the authorities shedding light on the situation. The community’s outpouring of prayers and well-wishes for Battie reflects the impact of the tragic incident on those close to him and the broader sports community as a whole.
In the wake of this senseless act of violence, there is a call for justice and accountability for those responsible for the shooting that claimed the life of Tommie L. Battie IV and left Brian Battie and others injured. The legal proceedings against Darryl Bernard Brookins are underway, with the court considering his claim of self-defense in relation to the incident. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting Brian Battie and his family during his recovery and offering condolences to the loved ones of Tommie L. Battie IV, who tragically lost his life in the shooting.
