In the early evening of October 4, 2024, a burst of violence shattered the Friday night peace outside the El Presidente Mexican Restaurant on 8th Street in Augusta, Georgia. Patrons and passersby were startled by the sound of gunfire, and in the aftermath, 32-year-old Arthur Braxton, a Black male, was found in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds.
Richmond County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the scene just before 8 p.m., but despite their efforts, Braxton was pronounced dead at 8:45 p.m.
The investigation into the homicide commenced immediately, with authorities cordoning off the area to gather evidence and interview shaken witnesses. In the days that followed, a name began to circulate in connection with the fatal shooting. Local media outlets identified 28-year-old Malik Dunbar, a basketball player who had recently been released from his contract with the Scottish team, the Caledonia Gladiators, as a suspect in Braxton's murder.
While authorities confirmed that one individual had been detained in connection with the shooting, they did not immediately release further details regarding the suspect's identity or what charges they might face. The investigation was described as ongoing as detectives worked to piece together the circumstances that led to the tragic death of Arthur Braxton. Prior to being linked to the homicide, Dunbar had a recent arrest in August on charges of possessing a firearm or knife and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute. The community was left awaiting further information and hoping for justice for Braxton and his family.
