Columbus police investigating three homicides in three days

Columbus police are investigating three homicides in the span of 72 hours this past weekend. Here’s what we know so far.

Cortez Richardson, 12

Just after 11 p.m. Friday, police were called to Luna Drive and Armenda Drive to investigate a shooting. Upon arrival, police discovered 12-year old Cortez Richardson suffering from a gunshot wound.

Richardson was taken to Piedmont Columbus Regional, where he died at 11:51 p.m.

CPD’s Homicide Unit is currently investigating the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Corporal Robert Nicholas at 706-225-4363 or robertnicholas@columbusga.org.

Iverson Gilyard, 20

On Saturday, police were called to 13th Avenue and Virginia Street around 7:30 p.m. for another shooting. Upon arrival, police discovered Iverson Gilyard lying in the road suffering from gunshot wounds.

Gilyard died at 8 p.m. at Columbus Piedmont Regional Hospital.

CPD’s Homicide Unit is currently investigating the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Kyle Tuggle at 706-225-4377 or ktuggle@columbusga.org.

Jamel Griffin, 19

On Sunday, police were called to Samson Avenue and 8th Street at 8:37 p.m. in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, police discovered Jamel Griffin suffering from gunshot wounds.

Griffin died at 9:06 p.m. at Piedmont Columbus Regional.

CPD’s Homicide Unit is currently investigating the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Z. Cole at 706-225-4295 or zcole@columbusga.org.

If you would like to remain anonymous in any of the cases, call 706-653-3188 or text VACS plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).

These three incidents bring the total homicide count in Columbus to 45. No arrests have been made, as of Monday.

This story was originally published August 15, 2021 at 10:57 AM.