13-year-old arrested in Columbus for murder of former CSU graduate in Phenix City
A 13-year-old wanted for murder in connection with the shooting death of a Columbus State University grad earlier this month has been arrested, according to police.
Phenix City Police said that Kumasie Ishmeal Ahmad was arrested Thursday by the Columbus Police Department at Ashley Station apartments in Columbus.
Ahmad was wanted in connection with the shooting death of Ryan Boles, 23, which occurred in the parking lot of a Synovus bank branch at 1000 13th St. in Phenix City, on Tuesday, Dec. 12, according to police.
Police Capt. Darrell Lassiter said a person leaving the bank seven minutes before Boles’ shooting was robbed nearby, in the middle of 10th Avenue, so investigators believe the suspects were watching the bank to find others to rob.
Boles, of Eatonton, GA, was pronounced dead at 9:24 p.m. at the shooting scene, said Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr.
According to the CSU Department of Communication, Boles was a student from the fall of 2019 through this past spring, earning a bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in film production.
Besides joining in multiple film festivals, he had these accomplishments: In the summer of 2022, he was an intern on “Cash Out,” the John Travolta movie filmed in Columbus. He was involved in CSU’s “The Society” film club and the “For The Record” video gaming club.
He served as a camera operator in CSU’s WCUG-Athletics live-streaming team.
At the time of his death, the communication department posted this statement to its Facebook page:
“We are heartbroken to share the news that Ryan Boles has passed away. Ryan is a recent communication graduate and was an exemplary student and filmmaker who was adored by faculty, staff, and his classmates. He was the most friendly presence in the department and spread his positivity and kindness everywhere he went. We are so deeply saddened by this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Another teen, age 16, had been arrested in connection with the shooting and charged with capital murder during a robbery and with robbery first degree.
Ahmad will be placed in juvenile detention until a hearing for extradition is held, according to police.
This story was originally published December 21, 2023 at 3:08 PM.