Columbus' 2021 Homicide Rate Rises To 26 Following Two Weekend Homicides

COLUMBUS, GA- The local number of homicides continues to climb in Columbus following two more deaths in the Fountain City over the weekend. The yearly total now sits at 26 homicides, pushing Columbus well ahead of where it was in 2020.

Columbus saw its first homicide over the weekend on Friday, April 16, 2021. Police responded to reports of a shooting in the 800 block of Winston Road shortly after 6 p.m.

Upon arrival officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Piedmont Midtown Medical Center in Columbus where he was pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as Andrew O'Neal.

Less than 24 hours later Columbus homicide investigators would again have their hands full as violence would again claim the life of a resident in Columbus.

On Saturday, April 17, 2021, officers responded to an incident in the 2200 block of Mahan Drive in Columbus. Upon arrival police located a 24-year-old victim suffering from stab wounds.

The victim was pronounced dead Saturday evening, marking the 26th homicide in Columbus this year. The Muscogee County Coroner's Office has identified the victim as Cortez Averette.

Police have announced no suspect information or arrest in either case. Both cases remain under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Columbus Police Department's homicide unit with any information.

2021 is proving to be a deadly year in Columbus. A check of our records from last year show as of April 17, 2020, Columbus had recorded a total of 13 homicides. Columbus finished 2020 with a total of 46 homicides. Following the two most recent homicides Columbus stands at a total of 26 homicides this year, doubling the point it was at this time last year.