TIFT COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - Friday, Feb. 13, A Tift County man was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, plus 25 years.

Sean Xavier Ross was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, five counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during a crime, in connection with the death of Brendan Burns.

Police say in Jan. 2024, Burns was sitting in the parking lot of a car wash on 17th street and South Central Ave, when he was brutally killed by Ross.

Officials say the shooting occurred in broad daylight on a Monday afternoon near a busy corner in Tifton. Several people were standing close to Burns and could’ve easily been shot as well.

According to District Attorney Patrick Warren, bullets fired by Ross also hit passing cars, striking the door of one vehicle mere inches from where a 2-year-old child was in her car seat.

DA Warren also says the murder of Burns is believed to be the result of ongoing tensions between Ross and Burns’ family. Police believe Ross played a role in Burns’ mother’s home being shot up in the middle of the night a few months before Burns’ murder.

Ross is now being charged in that drive-by shooting.

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