On the evening of July 29, 2021, the life of 30-year-old Brandon Marquis Burney, an African American male, was tragically cut short in Americus, Georgia. At approximately 7:05 PM, officers from the Americus Police Department and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the 600 block of Winn Street following a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Burney suffering from gunshot wounds. He was promptly transported to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Brandon, born on December 6, 1990, was a cherished member of his community, known for his jovial nature and his love for spending time with his cousins. He was a member of the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where he had served on the Youth Usher Board. His sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through the community, leaving a profound void in the lives of his family and friends who remembered him for his sense of humor.
The investigation into Burney's death quickly identified a primary suspect: Allan Tremain Barthell, a 37-year-old male from Americus. Barthell was reportedly seen fleeing the scene of the shooting in a silver 2007 Lexus RX with Georgia license plates. The Americus Police Department initiated a manhunt for Barthell, who was considered to be armed and dangerous.
Following an intense investigation, Allan Tremain Barthell was located and apprehended. He was held at a detention facility in Virginia before being extradited back to Georgia to face charges for the murder of Brandon Burney. The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings brought a measure of relief to Burney's grieving family and friends as they began the long journey of seeking justice for his untimely death.
