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Four-Year-Old Dies After Accidental Shooting this Month

A 4-year-old Richmond County boy who accidentally shot himself with an unsecured gun where several children were present at the family’s home at Norris Place Apartments November 12 has died,…

Brittany Ryans booking photo

Brittany Ryans

Richmond County Sheriff's Office
Ladarion Christopher Ryans Wanted in Richmond County

Ladarian Christopher Ryans

A 4-year-old Richmond County boy who accidentally shot himself with an unsecured gun where several children were present at the family's home at Norris Place Apartments November 12 has died, according to Coroner Mark Bowen.

Zykee Ryans was hospitalized after the incident in the 1900 block of Murphy Road.  He died Saturday at Wellstar MCG Health, according to Bowen.

Ryans' mother, 35-year-old Brittany Ryans, was taken into custody and charged with 5 counts of second-degree Cruelty to Children after the incident.  At the time, authorities announced they were looking for her older son, 19-year-old Ladarian Christopher Ryans, and planned to charge him with the same counts.  He remained at-large until today.   Authorities announced Ladarian has been taken into custody.

Earlier today, officials announced both Brittany Ryans and Ladarian Ryans will face an additional charge of second-degree Murder.

Brittany Ryans Criminal History

In 2018, Brittany Ryans was charged with one count of Deprivation of a Minor and six counts of Contributing to the Deprivation of a Minor.  She was sentenced to 90 days in jail and probation.

Mary Liz is the News Director and Co-Host of Augusta’s Morning News on WGAC. She spent 11 years as a News Director at an Indiana Radio Station. She has also worked as a former Police and Courts Reporter for The Republic Newspaper and Assistant Marketing Director of Merchants National Bank in Indianapolis. Mary Liz focuses most on local breaking news stories, feature stories on upcoming events, or community-service related organizations and the people who serve them. She has been with WGAC since 1995.