JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A year after the crime, the man suspected of killing Brunswick High School football player Mykal Ellis was arrested Thursday.
Ellis was 16 years old when he was gunned down in the 2600 block of Johnson Street in Brunswick on June 13, 2023. His family said he was walking home from football practice.
Police obtained a two warrants for Breon Hartley's arrest the day after Ellis's death in 2023. They said Hartley was "armed and dangerous," asking the community to be on the look out for him.
The warrants were for the crimes of murder and for possession of a firearm during a crime.
Just one month ago, in May, the Brunswick Police Department offered a $3,000 reward for anyone who could aid in catching Hartley.
The United States Marshals Southeast Regional Task Force has been searching for Hartley since the warrants were issued more than a year ago. On Thursday, he was found in Jacksonville, where police say he is from. He was taken into custody and is currently listed on the Duval County jail log.
The Brunswick Police Department says he will be extradited to Glynn County.
Police records show Mykal was found just feet from his family's home. His stepfather told officers he and Mykal's mother were inside the home when they heard shots ring out. They looked for him in his room, but eventually found him outside.
'A tremendous teammate'
Mykal wore #1 for the Brunswick High School Pirates. At the time of his death, Coach Garrett Grady said he was a "joy to coach," a "tremendous teammate," and a "great friend." His cousins, Shanyia and Shonda Mack, told First Coast News they believe he was shot over "nothing."
"He don't mess with anybody, he's quiet," Shonda Mack said at the time.
