Suspect arrested after deadly weekend shooting in east Columbus
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An arrest has been made in a murder that occurred over the weekend in Columbus.
The murder occurred on Saturday, July 5, 2025 around 12:00 P.M. in the 2800 block of Reese Road in east Columbus.
Police responded and found 51-year-old Donnie Hand with a gunshot wound(s). Hand was pronounced dead on scene by coroner officials at 12:21 P.M.
Image: Muscogee County Jail
35-year-old Christopher Popp was arrested on scene and charged with murder, jail records have confirmed. He is currently in the Muscogee County Jail awaiting his court appearance.
Family members spoke with CNAW2News about the incident and stated Popp had been experiencing mental health concerns. Police have not confirmed if the incident was related to a mental health crisis.
Hand’s death marked the third murder in the city since Thursday. As of this article, there have been four homicides, one assault (injury from gunshot wound), and nine reported shooting or shots fired scenes since Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Columbus Police.
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