Suspect arrested after deadly weekend shooting in south Columbus
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- 65-year-old Jimmie Lee Thomas arrested for murdering 53-year-old girlfriend Mozelle Barbee in south Columbus shooting.
- Barbee's death marks fourth homicide in three days; Thomas charged with murder and firearm possession during crime.
An arrest has been made in connection to a deadly weekend shooting in south Columbus, according to jail records.
Police responded to the area of the 400 block of 20th Avenue off Cusseta Road where they found a female with gunshot wounds during the late afternoon hours of Saturday, July 5, 2025. The female, later identified as 53-year-old Mozelle Barbee, was pronounced dead at 6:40 P.M. by Muscogee County coroner officials, Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan confirmed.
Jail records have confirmed police arrested 65-year-old Jimmie Lee Thomas shortly thereafter. He has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime. Police identified him as Barbee’s boyfriend. He is awaiting his court appearance.
The Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is investigating. Barbee’s killing marks the fourth homicide over 3 days. This arrest marks the third murder arrest in three days: on July 3rd, investigators arrested a teen in connection with a 2024 murder; on July 5th, police arrested a man in connection with a Reese Road murder.
Anyone with information is asked to call Columbus Police.
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