One dead, one in custody after shooting in Columbus, officials say

A shooting in the area of Merrywood and Dogwood Drives Thursday left one person dead and one in custody, according to a post on the Columbus Police Department’s X page.

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the victim as 30-year-old Dean Hill. Bryan said Hill was pronounced dead at a local hospital after suffering a gunshot wound.

Hill’s body will be sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in Decatur for an autopsy, according to Bryan.

Officers responded around 5:20 p.m. Thursday to a shooting in the 4400 block of Merrywood Drive, where they found Hill suffering from a gunshot wound, according to a news release from CPD.

Police identified the suspect as Korbet Smith, 27, who is charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Smith is scheduled to appear in Columbus Recorder’s Court at 1:30 p.m. May 14.

CPD’s violent crimes unit is leading the investigation.

This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 10:14 AM.

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.