Police release details of fatal east Columbus shooting with ‘gang involvement’

Columbus police have released information about suspects in a potentially gang-related fatal shooting at a home in east Columbus on Sunday.

Police said units responded to 1803 Huffman Drive around 2:32 p.m. December 8 and determined that Orlando Carter, 27, of Columbus had been shot.

Carter was transported to St. Francis Hospital by his family members and died of his injuries, police said.

Lt. Greg Touchberry said in a press release Monday afternoon that as many as 11-13 suspects were reported as being present at the time of the shooting, all males between the ages of 16 and 25.

He said that three different vehicles were described as being involved: a white Chevrolet Impala, a grey Honda and another unknown vehicle.

“Investigators have been told that all of the young black males were armed with handguns and numerous shots were fired,” Touchberry said. “Investigators were informed, and believe, that ‘gang involvement’ was a key factor in the shooting death.”

Toucberry said investigators are working to confirm the identities of the suspect and which local gang was involved.

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan said Carter suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead by an ER doctor at 3:01 p.m. His body is currently in Atlanta for an autopsy, Bryan said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the homicide to contact Detective Matt Sitler at 706-225-4367 or email msitler@columbusga.org.

Bryan said this is the 36th homicide of the year, already over last year’s 34 total homicides.

This story was originally published December 9, 2019 at 10:25 AM.