Columbus murder suspect arrested in Smiths Station after shooting at foundry
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A suspect is in custody after an early Wednesday morning deadly shooting at the north Columbus foundry.
Image: Columbus GA Police Department
Authorities responded to two scenes on September 3, 2025, around 6:16 A.M. with shots being fired in the 1600 block of Northside Industrial Blvd. and a shooting victim showing up at St. Francis on Manchester Expressway.
The victim, 54-year-old Lawrence Perry, was pronounced deceased at St. Francis Emory Hospital.
Image: Lee County Jail
Following an investigation by the Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, 32-year-old Walter Bethune, was identified as the suspect.
“With the help of CPD’s Fugitive Unit and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Bethune was located in Smiths Station, Alabama, and taken into custody,” authorities said. He is currently being held at the Lee County Jail awaiting extradition to Columbus, where he faces a charge of murder.
This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Cpl. M. Ruiz at 706-225-4379 or [email protected]. You can remain anonymous.
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