MARIMAR BEACH, Fla. — An update on Auburn football running back Brian Battie’s health has been provided through court documents.
Darryl Bernard Brookins Jr. was arrested by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office on May 22 as a suspect in connection to the shooting that injured Battie, killed his brother, Tommie Battie IV, and injured three others. According to an order of pretrial detention for Brookins that was completed Friday, Brian Battie “remains in critical condition, with the prognosis of permanent paralysis if he survives.”
Battie sustained a gunshot wound to the head in the shooting.
Auburn coach Hugh Freeze gave a brief update on Battie at SEC spring meetings Tuesday: “He’s getting better. Honor the family, I don’t want to go into too many things. But they appreciate all the prayers, for sure. It’s been a difficult time for the whole family, but he seems to be getting better each day.”
Brookins was charged with murder, attempted murder and as a felon in possession of a firearm when he was arrested. He was booked into the Sarasota County Correctional Facility.
Video footage from surrounding businesses show Brookins leaning on the window of a nearby business before the shooting began, according to an affidavit, which also states Brian and Tommie Battie are seen “walking towards Brookins.” At that point, Brookins “immediately drew a firearm and began shooting” at the brothers. Both Brian and Tommie returned fire, the affidavit says. Brian fell to the ground first, followed by Tommie.
Brookins fled the scene on foot, leaving behind his vehicle, which was later located “just west of the shooting location.” In the hours after the shooting, multiple Crimestoppers tips reported Brookins was the shooter. After comparing the photo on his license and pictures from social media to the surveillance footage, the affidavit says detectives were able to positively identify Brookins as the shooter.
The 28-year-old Brookins, who has four prior felony convictions, appeared in court May 23 for the first time since the shooting. His attorney, Jacob Grollman, told reporters outside the courtroom that his client acted in self defense, according to Fox 13 Tampa Bay.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support the Battie family. As of Tuesday, it has collected more than $104,000.
Richard Silva is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at rsilva@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rich_silva18.