Woman killed in shooting is Phenix City’s first homicide of 2026, officials say

A woman is dead following the first homicide of 2026 in Phenix City, according to officials.

The Phenix City Police Department identified the victim as Continaer Robinson Evans, 52,

Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. said she was shot and killed Sunday in the 100 block of 17th Avenue in Phenix City.

Sumbry said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 11.49 p.m. Sunday.

PCPD said officers responded around 10:50 p.m. and found Evans dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

Officers located Willie James Davis Jr. and took him into custody without incident, according to the news release. Police said Davis was charged with murder.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the PCPD Criminal Investigations Division.

Evans’ body will be sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science in Montgomery for an autopsy, according to Sumbry.

This story was originally published February 16, 2026 at 2:38 PM.

Kelby Hutchison

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Kelby Hutchison is the breaking news reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Kelby grew up frequently visiting Columbus to eat at Country’s BBQ in the old Greyhound bus station and at Clearview BBQ on River Road. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in criminal justice and a M.A. in journalism. During his studies, Kelby specialized in community journalism.