Two women fatally shot on Clay Street in southeast Columbus Tuesday morning

Two women are dead following a shooting that occurred around 11 a.m., Tuesday, in Columbus, according to officials.

The victims were identified as 51-year-old Ronisha McCaskay and 52-year-old Juantonja “Tonja” Richmond, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan. Both victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds, he said.

Police responded to the scene on Clay Street in southeast Columbus.

A local resident heard the gunshots just as she woke up.

“Then something like this happens close to home, you know that really takes a toll on people,” said Tennilly Miller. “You hear about this every day.”

Tuesday’s killings were the 13th and 14th homicides of the year in Columbus, according to a count kept by the Ledger-Enquirer. The last homicide was reported on Feb. 27 when a 36-year-old victim was found on his bicycle in a ditch.

Miller said she heard multiple gunshots around 11 a.m. She said her son, Tamareious, was a victim of gun violence late last year. She said she’s reminded of her son every time she hears a gunshot.

She said she’s become paranoid and checks on the safety of her other son when she hears gunshots now. One victim’s family member showed up and an emotional outburst of grief rung through the neighborhood.

This story was originally published March 7, 2023 at 2:32 PM.