Suspect Arrested in Murder of Waynesboro Man Found with Gunshot Wound

On Sunday, January 12, 2025, at approximately 4:20 AM, Waynesboro Police received a call about a possible gunshot victim in Magnolia Acres. Officers responded and found Raynard Ellison in a family member’s apartment, where he was unresponsive. Officer Raymond Orzechowski and Lt. Gregg Stroud performed CPR on Ellison until additional assistance arrived from Deputy Wahman of the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.

Despite efforts to revive him, Ellison was transported to Burke Health but later succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, identified as Julian Bright, turned himself into the Waynesboro Police Department later that night. Bright has been charged with Murder (16-5-1) and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime (16-11-106).

The Waynesboro Police Department extended thanks to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and the Augusta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for their assistance with the investigation. They also expressed gratitude to the community for providing helpful information. This case remains under investigation, with more charges expected to follow.

Anyone with information about the murder of Raynard Ellison is urged to contact Investigator Faith Cupp at 706-526-5013 or the Waynesboro Police Department at 706-554-8030.