WAYNESBORO, Ga. – The Waynesboro Police Department has named a suspect in the city’s first homicide of the year, following a fatal shooting early Sunday morning. Julian Bright, a resident of Waynesboro, has been identified as a person of interest in the death of Raynard Ellison, whose shooting is under investigation.

Ellison, 28, was found with a gunshot wound to the chest inside an apartment at Magnolia Acres, located off Highway 56, just after 4:40 a.m. on Sunday. Police initially received a report of shots fired near the mailboxes at the apartment complex around 4:20 a.m., but officers who arrived at the scene found no evidence of gunfire. A second call, approximately 20 minutes later, led authorities to the apartment where Ellison was found unresponsive.

The victim was quickly transported to Burke Health, where he was pronounced dead at 5:42 a.m. despite efforts from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office to perform CPR at the scene before emergency medical crews arrived.

Julian Bright, who was initially sought for questioning by police, is now considered a person of interest in the case. Authorities have clarified that Ellison’s mother, who had previously been under suspicion, has been cleared of any involvement in her son’s death.

Sheriff Alfonzo Williams expressed his sadness over the tragic incident, stating, “We are deeply saddened by this loss. Our team is committed to ensuring the safety of this community, and we are working diligently to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this case.”

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is actively working with the Waynesboro Police Department to determine the events leading up to the shooting. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.

“We encourage anyone with knowledge of the situation to speak up,” said Sheriff Williams. “Your help is vital in finding justice for Raynard Ellison and his family.”