Braydon Mitchell Ellertson, 22, male—White/Caucasian—was shot and killed just after midnight on June 25, 2025, at Olsen Park in Amarillo, Texas. First responders found him with a gunshot wound; despite life-saving efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police dispatch records place the call around 12:08–12:10 a.m., and local outlets identified the victim as Braydon Mitchell Ellertson, 22, of Amarillo.
According to police and subsequent reporting, the encounter involved John Tiernan, who told authorities he had been at the park using a metal detector when Ellertson approached and a physical fight ensued. During the struggle, Tiernan drew a firearm and fired two shots; he then called 911. Early statements from police indicated no immediate arrests as detectives worked the case.
Weeks later, a Potter County grand jury returned a no-bill on a proposed murder charge against John Tiernan, effectively clearing him in Ellertson’s death. The decision followed the presentation of evidence asserting self-defense. In response, Braydon Mitchell Ellertson’s family protested outside the courthouse, publicly disputing the account and alleging that he had been lured to the park by his estranged wife; police officials declined detailed comment at that time.
Public records and memorial postings corroborate the victim’s identity and age, listing him as Braydon Mitchell Ellertson, 22, of Amarillo, with the date of death recorded as June 25, 2025. An online obituary and a gun-violence memorial page reflect the same date and location, consistent with police and media reports.
