Crime

Three people found guilty in 2024 death of teenager in Columbus shooting

Three people were found guilty Tuesday of charges including murder in the death of a 16-year-old in April 2024 in Columbus, according to court documents.

Semaj Copeland, 19, Zion Horton, 18, and Jaquan Mahone, 20, faced charges in the death of Daryus Bryant.

The shooting occurred April 20, 2024, at the intersection of Macon Road and Lakeshore Drive in Columbus, police said. Bryant was taken to a local hospital, where he died, according to police.

Police said they responded around 11:50 p.m. to Macon Road near Lakeshore Drive, where they saw two vehicles that had been shot at.

One person from each car was suffering from at least one gunshot wound, according to officials.

Horton and Mahone were found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, four counts of aggravated assault and four counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Copeland was found guilty of felony murder, four counts of aggravated assault and four counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Copeland was found not guilty of malice murder.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 23 before Judge Arthur L. Smith III, according to court documents.

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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