2 Columbus State University students dead in apparent homicide-suicide, coroner says

Two Columbus State University students are dead after an apparent homicide-suicide near the main campus, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.

Bryan says Gisela Pierce, 20, was found dead in a car while Nathaniel Janik, 25, was found dead on the ground next to the car around 10:40 a.m.

Bryan said an autopsy will be conducted on both students.

The university released a statement saying it learned of a “gun-related incident” about 10:10 a.m. on Main Campus near the area of Lenoir Annex.

“Columbus State University Police are now investigating the matter in partnership with the Columbus Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation,” the statement said.

The university didn’t provide additional information on Pierce or Janik.

CSU canceled campus-wide extracurricular activities, according to Assistant Vice-President of University Operation Steve Morse.

Established in 1958, CSU has approximately 8,500 students and is part of the University System of Georgia. It’s located in the heart of Columbus.

CSU students, while rattled, said they felt safe on campus.

Freshman Nate Eroh lives on campus near where the incident occurred.

“It’s scary, but, like, at the same, there’s nothing we can do at this point.” Eroh said. “I still feel pretty safe, it’s just kinda weird seeing all the tape and the cops.”

Another student lamented violence in the city.

“It’s absolutely terrible,” said CSU student Ezra Otersen. “And I’m from Columbus and so I’m sort of like desensitized to all the violence in the area.”

CSU student Joshua Glass said he felt safe, though the shooting happened near where he lives.

“Overall, I feel safe even though it happened so close to my living quarters, but at the same time, you know, incidents will happen once in a while,” Glass said.

This story is ongoing and will be updated as new information becomes available.

This story was originally published August 18, 2023 at 12:14 PM.