Violent few days in Columbus leads to four deaths in multiple shootings
Violence erupted over the past few days in Columbus leaving four people dead, some injured and homes being hit with gunfire, according to officials.
It started Thursday, when police began an investigation into a deadly shooting in the 4800 block of Hearthstone Drive, that left one dead, according to a post on the Columbus Police Department’s X page.
Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the victim as 21-year-old JaquesTremayne Banks.
On that same day, police responded to a shooting in the 4500 block of Old Cusseta Road that left one person injured, according to the department’s X page.
Police later investigated another deadly shooting, also on Thursday at Forrest and Avalon roads that left one person dead, according to the department’s X page.
Bryan identified the victim as Zandre Battle-Thomas, 21. Bryan said Battle-Thomas was shot while in a car at Forrest and Avalon roads.
Accidents and more shootings
A crash involving multiple vehicles occurred nearby as the parties fled the scene, according to police. Police said no injuries were reported in the collision.
The investigation is being led by CPD’s Violent Crimes Unit.
Between Thursday night and Friday morning two homes a block apart on Newick Drive and Mill Branch Road were hit with gunfire, according to police. Police said no serious injuries were reported.
These shootings were followed by two shooting deaths on Saturday.
The first occurred Saturday in the 2800 block of Reese Road that left one person dead, according to officials.
Bryan identified the victim as 51-year-old Donnie Hand, who was pronounced dead at 12:21 p.m. Police said the suspect is in custody.
Police identified the suspect as Hand’s stepson, 35-year-old Christopher Popp. He was arrested and charged with murder, police said.
The last shooting occurred Saturday in the 400 block of 20th Avenue and left one woman dead, with the suspect now in custody, according to police.
Bryan identified the victim as 53-year-old Mozelle Barbie who was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m. Barbie suffered gunshot wounds to the head and lower back, Bryan said.
CPD’s Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation.
This story was originally published July 6, 2025 at 2:12 PM.