Martin-Holmes Obituary, Death – Two individuals have been identified in connection with a deadly police shooting that followed a car chase in Twiggs County, Georgia. According to a press release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the incident occurred late Friday night around 10:30 p.m. on Interstate 16 West.
Authorities say the two suspects, 26-year-old Christopher Martin-Holmes and 23-year-old Phillip Ellison Jr., were driving when Twiggs County deputies attempted to pull them over for a traffic violation. However, the pair did not stop, which led to a high-speed pursuit. The chase came to an end near the Exit 12 off-ramp on I-16 after their vehicle crashed.
When deputies moved in to approach the suspects’ vehicle following the crash, gunfire was reportedly exchanged. According to the GBI’s statement, shots were fired from inside the vehicle, prompting one of the deputies to return fire. Martin-Holmes was struck during the exchange and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ellison, the second individual involved, was taken into custody without further incident. He has since been charged with aggravated assault and is currently being held at the Twiggs County Jail. No officers were reported injured during the incident.
Martin-Holmes’ body has been sent to the GBI Crime Lab in Macon for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, the investigation into the shooting is still active, with the GBI continuing to gather details surrounding the events that led to the fatal outcome.
Officials have not released further information regarding what specifically prompted the initial traffic stop or what may have caused the suspects to flee. It remains unclear whether additional charges will be filed as the investigation progresses.
The GBI has stated that updates will be shared as more facts become available. The agency is working closely with local authorities to determine the full sequence of events and to ensure a thorough review of the officer-involved shooting. News outlet 13WMAZ has committed to tracking developments in the case and will continue to provide coverage as new information is released.
This incident is one of several recent cases in Georgia involving police chases that ended with use of deadly force. As is standard protocol in such cases, the GBI is taking the lead on the investigation to ensure impartiality and accountability. The outcome of their findings could potentially influence how similar situations are handled in the future, both in Twiggs County and across the state.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to the incident to contact the GBI or the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits answers regarding the circumstances that led to this fatal confrontation.
