Crime

Columbus man dies after shooting at Phenix City hotel. 3 arrested, officials say

An early-morning shooting Monday at a hotel in Phenix City has left a Columbus man dead and three arrested, according to officials.

Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. said Harvey Lee Walker Jr., 36, from Columbus, was pronounced dead at the scene of Colonial Inn Hotel, on the U.S. 280 Bypass in Phenix City, around 2 a.m. from a single gunshot wound.

Sumbry said the Phenix City Police Department is investigating the incident.

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

The Phenix City Police Department said officers responded to the Colonial Inn hotel in reference to a shooting that occurred in one of the rooms.

Police identified the homicide suspects as Tionne Carreker and Tisha Gibson. Carreker was taken into custody for capital murder in Junction City, Georgia, by the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, according to the news release.

Carreker will be extradited back to Phenix City, the news release says.

Law enforcement officials are trying to find Gibson, who has an outstanding warrant for capital murder, according to the news release.

During the investigation, a third person, LaVincent Harris, was arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence and possession of marijuana first degree.

Police ask anyone with information about the case or Gibson’s location to call the Phenix City Police Department at 334-298-0611, Investigator Buchanan at 334-448-2792 or Lt. Anglin at 334-448-2839.

This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 12:28 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.
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