The shooting death of 21-year-old Nicholas Nickson left a small Georgia community reeling. On the evening of May 26, 2024, deputies found Nickson’s body in a ditch alongside Keens Crossing Road in East Dublin; he had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at 7:43 p.m. by the Laurens County Deputy Coroner. An autopsy was scheduled at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Lab.

Investigators quickly developed a suspect: 20-year-old Roy Lee Brown of Dublin. Brown was taken into custody three days after the discovery and was charged with murder, with additional charges pending. He made a first court appearance and was granted bond of $125,000; after three months in custody he was released on bond and is reportedly being monitored by an ankle bracelet while awaiting trial.

Nickson’s family and friends described him as hardworking and devoted to loved ones and have pushed for justice, including a petition to keep the accused detained. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office.