Cops found suspect in Columbus woman’s murder close to the crime scene, police testify

The man charged with murdering a woman in Columbus sent someone a message about the victim’s death before police arrested him, according to court testimony Tuesday.

Bryant Butler, who had a Recorder’s Court hearing, is charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in the death of 35-year-old Shacoya Baker. Baker was found in a ditch on Flat Rock Road in Columbus, the Ledger-Enquirer reported. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Brittany Santiago, director of community affairs and public information officer for the Columbus Police Department, told the Ledger-Enquirer in an email that the victim and the suspect had been in a relationship for several years and had a child together.

CPD Sgt. Demetrius Battle testified in court that investigators found Baker with gunshot wounds to the back of her neck. Police found three shell casings in the road and four around the victim, Battle said.

Battle said Baker was found Sunday morning. While being questioned in court, he said a call about shots fired was reported around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, but that no one was found when police first responded to the area.

Battle testified that neighbors told police they heard two or three shots followed by rapid gunfire. Battle said that, after moving Baker’s body, police found more than a dozen 9-mm shell casings.

Battle said police were made aware of a message “that came from the defendant stating that the victim had been killed.”

Suspect wasn’t far from the scene, cops say

After Baker was found, police were told by family and friends that Butler lived nearby, Battle said.

Battle said Butler came out of a nearby home while police were conducting an area canvas, then went back into the residence and refused to come out.

SWAT showed up and used tactical measures, Battle said. Butler came back out of the home and was taken into custody.

Police found a 9-mm firearm with a 30-round extended magazine in the attic of the house where Butler was found, Battle said.

While being questioned in court, Battle said a call of shots fired was made in the area around 11:30 p.m. the night before Baker’s body was found. Battle said, to his understanding, police responded but didn’t locate anyone.

Judge David Ranieri found probable cause for Butler’s charges and bound the case over to Superior Court.