Ellabell, GA (July 4, 2019) – On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at approximately 2:24 PM, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Zip N Foods #3 at 3279 Georgia Highway 204, Ellabell, GA in reference to an unresponsive male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene and has been identified as Kevin Jermaine Johnson, 39.

Preliminary investigation reveals that a verbal dispute began in the parking lot of the gas station which escalated to a physical altercation with a gun being drawn by Wandell Hills, Jr, 36. Johnson, Hills, and Tavarus Brown, 38, continued the physical altercation which involved the gun being exchanged between Hills and Brown. Johnson was then shot multiple times outside the store before fleeing into the store where he was shot several more times.

Hills and Brown fled the scene and were taken into custody by the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office. Hills is charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. Brown is charged with Party to the Crime of Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.

The GBI is continuing to investigate the incident and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office at 912-653-3800 or the GBI Region 5 Office at 912-871-1121.

Contact Information:

John Durden - Special Agent in Charge or Lindsay Smith - Assistant Special Agent in Charge - 912-871-1121