Arrest made in shooting of Auburn RB Brian Battie, three others

Sep 2, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Brian Battie (21) returns the opening kickoff against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn running back Brian Battie and three other men were shot over the weekend in Florida, and an arrest has now been made in the case.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in Sarasota, Fla., announced on Wednesday that 28-year-old Darryl Bernard Brookins has been arrested in connection with the Saturday shooting. Brookins was charged with murder and attempted murder as a felon in possession of a firearm.

Battie is in critical condition after he sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Battie’s brother, Tommy Battie IV, was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot. Two other men also sustained injuries.

According to a probable cause affidavit against Brookins that was obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, the incident occurred in the Tallywood Centre Plaza in Sarasota. Video from surrounding businesses showed Brookins leaning against a window of the plaza when Battie and the others approached him. Brookins then allegedly began shooting at the Battie brothers, who returned fire.

Brookins has four prior felony convictions.

No official update on Battie’s condition has been provided, but Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze wrote on social media Monday that the running back was still on a ventilator after suffering a setback.

“Auburn family. Please continue to pray for Brian Battie. There was a set back last night and he’s still on a ventilator,” Freeze wrote.

Auburn family. Please continue to pray for Brian Battie. There was a set back last night and he’s still on a ventilator. #AUSTRONG

— Hugh Freeze (@CoachHughFreeze) May 20, 2024

Battie rushed for 227 yards and 1 touchdown on 51 carries for Auburn last season. He primarily served as Auburn’s kick returner. Battie averaged 23.0 yards per kick return, which ranked fifth in the SEC.

Battie had transferred to Auburn in 2023 after three seasons at South Florida. Battie graduated from Sarasota High School before committing to South Florida in 2020.