BRUNSWICK, Ga. – Brunswick High School paid tribute to My’Kal Ellis, a former running back for the Brunswick Pirates football team, during the senior night game against South Effingham on Friday.
Ellis was tragically shot and killed in front of his home in June 2023. Brunswick police say Ellis was not the intended target in the shooting.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 16-year-old football player shot, killed in Brunswick not intended target, family says | Mother of Brunswick football player killed feet from his home calls for shooting suspect to turn himself in
The man accused of killing Ellis, 23-year-old Breon Hartley, remains in jail awaiting trial.
During the game, the senior class and football players were recognized on the field. Ellis’s family joined the ceremony to honor his memory.
“Tonight, we’re recognizing number one, My’Kal Ellis. We remember our teammate and classmate,” said a member of the Brunswick Pirates.
If Ellis were alive today, he would be graduating with his senior classmates. His aunt, Essie Ellis, reflected on the pain of losing him.
“It’s moments like this, missing him. Holidays. Birthdays. Holiday season is coming up. A lot of happiness was taken from us,” she said.
His uncle, William Buges, added, “A child was taken from our family. A good child.”
Breon Hartley was arrested by federal marshals in Jacksonville and charged with murder and illegal possession of a firearm. His trial is expected to begin in January.
Ellis’s family told News4JAX that only a conviction will bring them closure.