Police ask public to help identify person of interest in Phenix City double homicide

Phenix City police are asking the public for any tips they may have concerning the shooting of two men on the Phenix City side of the Riverwalk Saturday afternoon.

The two men were identified by Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. as John Arthur Burkus, 31, and Darrelyn Harris,40, also known as Darren Harris who were both from Columbus, according to Sumbry.

The two victims were found around 2 p.m. just north of the Troy University campus, behind the 600 block of Riverview Apartments according to Phenix City police.

Officials say if you or anyone you know was on the Riverwalk on either side of the river between noon and 3 p.m. Saturday and saw anything to please contact them at 334-448-2839, 334-448-2837 or 334-448-2836.

A person of interest has been identified wearing a teal hoodie with white writing on the back, khaki pants, and black tennis shoes. He was seen near the 1st Avenue area of Phenix City.

“At this point we need as many tips as we can. The tips that we have gotten so far, we’ve basically have run those down and we need more,” said Phenix City Police Chief Ray Smith during a press conference Monday morning.

This story was originally published December 5, 2022 at 11:30 AM.