Family demands answers surrounding Sylvania homicide investigation

SYLVANIA, Ga. (WTOC) - A mystery surrounding the death of two men near Sylvania has one family asking you for help.

Family members and friends of Brandon Counts are gathering to remember his memory and legacy in the middle of an ongoing investigation where they say they still have so many unanswered questions.

The GBI says it happened here off of Highway 301 South, just outside Sylvania city limits.

According to investigators on September 27, 2025, 30-year-old Leon Tolbert Jr. and Brandon Counts were found inside of a vehicle each with a single gunshot wound.

Tolbert died at the scene and counts died later at a nearby hospital.

“I’m going to miss him, and he will always be loved by everybody,” said Summer Counts, Brandon’s sister.

“It’s hard for me to think about him because it hurts me,” said Brice Counts, Brandon’s brother. “All the memories. I can’t forget about him, and I won’t forget about him.”

Georgia State Patrol say the car was not involved in a crash but had driven off the road.

They also confirm a handgun was found inside the vehicle.

It is unclear at this time if this handgun was used in this shooting and if there is another suspect involved.

While this is still an ongoing GBI investigation, Counts family members are searching for those answers themselves and asking for your help.

“This should not have happened,” said Christy Hall, Brandon’s cousin. “Nobody wants to lose a loved one and for our family as well as the other family. Please keep us in your prayers and if anybody knows anything, not matter how insignificant you think it might be, please call and give information. Anything could help.”

WTOC reached out to the GBI to see if any new information had come out of the investigation that might provide more answers.

We have not yet heard back at this time.