2025 Recap: Reports From This Year
In 2025, CNAW2News.com gained millions of views, reported on hundreds of incidents, responded to hundreds of incidents, and added thousands of new followers on our social media sites. We also expanded our channel by welcoming new sponsors and broadening our coverage to include content from our partners at Georgia Alabama Sports Live, as well as Mandy Vega, who joined our team as a reporter for Home and Lifestyle Now.
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In 2025, we covered major news, from multi-scene events, mass shootings, homicides, motor vehicle collisions, house fires, and even a snowstorm — the first one since 2018.
In January, CNAW2News reported on multiple homicides in Phenix City, a snowstorm that impacted businesses, roads, and residents, and the fatal shooting of a Battalion Chief who was assisting at a crash scene in Chambers County.
Multiple homicides in Phenix City in less than nine hours
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Phenix City police investigated three homicides that occurred within a nine-hour span between January 17 and January 18, 2025. The first involved 28-year-old Matthew James Brooks, who was found dead in the parking lot of a Dollar General on Seale Road on the evening of January 17. The second incident happened early the next morning on North Railroad Street, where 39-year-old Travis Oakley died from gunshot wounds following an altercation. His girlfriend, 47-year-old Latasha Williamson, was also shot and later died at the hospital. All three victims were sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science for autopsies, and the investigations remain ongoing.
Snowstorm leads to school, road closures; impacts to businesses and residents
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A winter storm swept through the Chattahoochee Valley in January 2025, bringing measurable snow and icy conditions. Approximately 1–3 inches of snow across the area was reported, with higher totals reported in nearby counties. The unusual snowfall created hazardous road conditions, leading officials to urge residents to stay off the roads. Multiple delays and traffic issues were reported as crews worked to treat icy bridges and major roadways. Schools, businesses, and some government offices were closed.
Battalion Chief shot and killed while helping at crash scene in Chambers County
Chambers County deputies responded to a reported deer-related traffic accident on January 19 when they found a shooting scene. The shooting left Coweta County Fire Battalion Chief James Bartholomew Cauthen, 54, dead, and two others injured. Investigators say Chief Cauthen was helping the driver who had hit a deer when a nearby resident, William Randall Franklin, opened fire. All three were injured in the incident. Franklin was later released from the hospital and charged with murder.
In February, CNAW2News reported on a major crash in Opelika that left a child dead and others injured and a child exploitation operation that resulted in 11 arrests.
Major crash in Opelika leaves child dead, others injured
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A two-vehicle crash in Opelika on the evening of February 24, 2025, left a six-year-old child dead and several others injured. The collision, involving a Kia K5 and a GMC Acadia, happened around 5:25 p.m. on Marvyn Parkway near Oak Haven Trailer Park. The Kia carried two adults and two children, while the GMC Acadia had a driver and a juvenile passenger. Six-year-old Kingston Burns of Beauregard was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts. Another child from the Kia was airlifted to Children’s of Alabama, and the two adults were taken to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital. The occupants of the GMC were treated after being transported by personal vehicle. The crash remains under investigation by Opelika police.
Child exploitation operation results in 11 arrests
Nearly a dozen people were arrested after the Opelika Police Department conducted a two-day child exploitation operation on February 20–21, 2025. The operation involved multiple agencies, including the Lee County District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Covenant Rescue Group. A total of 11 individuals were taken into custody on charges related to child solicitation by computer, prostitution involving a minor, and traveling to meet a child for unlawful sexual acts. Arrests were made across both days of the operation.
In March, CNAW2News reported on the arrest of a now-former Columbus police officer following high-speed chases across East Alabama and a deadly crash in Troup County that claimed four lives.
Now-former police officer arrested following multiple pursuits in East Alabama
A Columbus police officer, Melvin Hardge, was arrested on March 14, 2025, after allegedly leading law enforcement in Lee and Russell counties on multiple vehicle chases. Jail records at the time showed the officer faced charges of attempting to elude and possession of marijuana and was taken into custody in Lee County.
Deadly Troup County crash claims four lives
Four people were killed in a deadly overnight crash in Troup County early Sunday, March 2, 2025. The collision occurred shortly before 12:30 a.m. at the intersection of New Franklin Road and Wares Cross Road and involved a GMC Sierra and a Nissan Altima. All four occupants of the Nissan died at the scene, according to the Troup County Coroner. The driver of the GMC was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.
In April, CNAW2News reported on the arrest of a Columbus photographer for sexual exploitation of a child and the deaths of a Harris County father and son after a tree fell during a tornado.
Columbus photographer arrested for sexual exploitation of a child
A Columbus photographer, identified as Ritchie White, was arrested on ten counts of sexual exploitation of a child following an investigation by Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and the GBI. White was eventually sentenced on one count of sexual exploitation of a child and remains in state prison.
Harris County father and son killed by falling tree at golf course during storm
A Harris County father and son were killed Sunday afternoon while golfing at Bull Creek Golf Course as severe weather moved through the area. A strong storm, later associated with a confirmed tornado, struck shortly after warnings were issued. A tree fell onto the pair while they were sheltering in their golf cart, and both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims were identified as a 29-year-old man and his 58-year-old father. The younger man was a former Columbus police officer. The storm caused widespread damage across Columbus and nearby Midland, including fallen trees, flooding, power outages, road closures, and damage to homes. The National Weather Service later rated the tornado an EF-1.
In May, CNAW2News reported on a multiple-victim shooting in Phenix City and the termination of the Columbus City Manager following a council vote.
Multiple-victim shooting in Phenix City
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Police investigated a shooting that injured four people in south Phenix City. The incident happened around 8 p.m. on May 24 near Meadowlane Park on Fifth Street. Victims were transported to multiple hospitals, including Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown. Officers found vehicles with gunshot damage, crime scene markers, and at least one vehicle towed from the scene. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Columbus City Manager terminated, now running for mayor
On May 27, Columbus City Manager Isaiah Hugley was terminated by a 7-0 vote of the city council, ending his 41-year career with the Columbus Consolidated Government. Hugley will continue receiving his salary and benefits through his planned retirement on December 31, 2025. Hugley has served in multiple roles, including Assistant Director of Transportation, Director of Transportation/METRA, Deputy City Manager, and City Manager since 2005. His tenure ended amid several controversies, including investigations involving the finance department and Columbus Animal Care and Control, as well as legal and defamation issues. In his farewell, Hugley hinted at future plans, saying, “You haven’t seen the last of me… we are coming!” Hugley is currently running for mayor of Columbus.
In June, CNAW2News reported on several homicides across multiple counties.
Several deadly shootings occurred across Georgia and Alabama in early June 2025
Lee County, AL: On June 1, 58-year-old Oscar Lee Eiland was shot and killed by Christopher James Espey Futral, who was arrested and charged with murder.
Columbus, GA: On June 2, 37-year-old Berry Tyree Benton was shot and killed outside an American Legion building. Columbus Police are investigating.
Opelika, AL: On June 7, 16-year-old Jamiyah Grant was shot and killed at Bandy Park during an Alumni Day event. 18-year-old Timothy Shell Jr. was arrested in connection with the shooting.
Harris County, GA: On June 16, 43-year-old Daniel R. McCourt was shot and killed in Cataula. 32-year-old Kristina Hodge was arrested and charged with multiple counts, including felony murder.
In July, CNAW2News reported on an Auburn man who murdered his wife and stepdaughter before abducting a toddler and federal agents who raided 14 restaurants in PPP fraud, drug, and immigration bust.
Auburn man charged in murder of wife, stepdaughter and the abduction of his toddler son
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On July 10, 2025, Auburn police discovered the bodies of a woman, Tyeisha Williams, 34, and a 13-year-old girl, Zynniya Wright, inside a home on Samantha Court. A three-year-old boy was initially reported missing, prompting an Amber Alert. The following morning, July 11, federal authorities, including the U.S. Marshals, FBI, and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, took Aaron Dontay Williams into custody and located the child unharmed. The investigation remains ongoing.
Federal agents raid 14 Alabama restaurants in PPP fraud, drug, and immigration bust
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Federal agents executed search warrants at 14 restaurants across five Alabama counties in connection with a federal investigation into alleged Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud. The raids targeted Cesar Camos-Reyes, who was indicted on four counts including bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering for allegedly misusing $225,000 in PPP funds. During the searches, authorities seized methamphetamine, cocaine, various pills, about $100,000 in cash, and at least 20 firearms. Three individuals were taken into federal custody, and 40–50 undocumented workers were found at the restaurants. Cesar Camos-Reyes was eventually arrested.
In August, CNAW2News reported on a deadly shooting at a Columbus recreation center and a hoax call that caused fear at Auburn University’s campus library.
Deadly shooting at Columbus recreation center
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On August 29, 2025, a deadly shooting at the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center in Columbus, Georgia, left 22-year-old Jacarie Charles dead. Police identified 18-year-old Navaris Johnson as the alleged shooter and arrested him, along with several other suspects facing murder and armed robbery charges. The investigation remains active.
Hoax call causes fear at Auburn University library
A hoax call triggered a heavy police response at Auburn University’s Ralph Brown Draughon Library on August 27, 2025. Auburn University Campus Safety and Auburn Police responded after a 911 call suggested a possible threat, leading to evacuations and tactical searches of the building. Authorities later confirmed the report was false and there was no actual danger to students or staff.
In September, CNAW2News reported on an active shooter incident at an Amazon facility, a murder at an Auburn park, a newborn found alive in a dumpster, and deadly shootings on Bay Avenue in Columbus and at a business off Bradley Park Drive.
Man opens fire at Amazon facility and then dies by suicide
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