Decomposed body found behind Phenix City building, Russell County coroner says

A decomposed body was found behind a building Wednesday in Phenix City, according to Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr.

The person, identified as a Black man in his late 40s, was pronounced dead at 7:02 p.m. Wednesday in the 900 block of Broad Street, he said.

Sumbry said the victim’s body will be sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery to determine cause and manner of death.

The case is under investigation, he said.

An investigation by the Phenix City Police Department revealed the body belonged to a 49-year-old man whose identity is being withheld until his family is notified, according to a news release from the department.

Police ask anyone with information about the case to call Lt. Anglin at 334-448-2835 or Investigator Silva at 334-448-2838.

This story was originally published February 26, 2026 at 11:51 AM.

Kelby Hutchison

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Kelby Hutchison is the breaking news reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Kelby grew up frequently visiting Columbus to eat at Country’s BBQ in the old Greyhound bus station and at Clearview BBQ on River Road. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in criminal justice and a M.A. in journalism. During his studies, Kelby specialized in community journalism.