Suspect in shooting involving Auburn's Brian Battie, brother surrenders to police

According to WWSB in Sarasota, a person has turned himself in to police regarding the shooting of Auburn running back Brian Battie. The man has been identified as Darryl Brookings, with his lawyer confirming the news.

No specific charges have been placed on Brooking yet. Additionally, investigators are still working to see if there was a motive.

“A person has turned himself in to authorities in connection with a shooting that claimed the life of a former Braden River football player and injured his brother, a current Auburn football player,” the report from WWSB said.

“Darryl Brookins has turned himself into Sarasota County deputies, his attorney confirms to ABC7.”

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze was the last one to provide an update on Battie, saying a “setback” occurred during his recovery. Battie is still on a ventilator and fighting for his life.

Tommie Battie IV, who is Brian’s brother, was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday. The incident occurred in Sarasota around 3:30 a.m. local time at the Tallywood Centre Plaza. Both of them are originally from Sarasota, attending Sarasota High School and Brian graduating in 2020.

Three others were involved and transferred to the hospital. However, police have not been able to confirm their identity.

More on Brian Battie’s career at USF, Auburn

After the 2023 season, Battie announced his plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal as a graduate transfer. He later withdrew, though, with plans to return to Auburn and hopes of a breakout season after sitting behind Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston on the depth chart.

Battie spent three years at USF before arriving at Auburn and turned in his best season in 2022. He was the Bulls’ leading rusher with 1,185 yards and eight touchdowns, and he got involved in the passing game with 14 receptions for 91 yards.

In 2021, as a kick returner, Battie won All-American honors as he ran back three touchdowns as he totaled 650 return yards as a sophomore. He followed that up with a career-high 33 returns for 659 yards in his final season at USF in 2022.

Battie played high school football at Sarasota High School (Fla.), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 1,590 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this story.