Third homicide of the year reported after late-night shooting at Columbus gas station
Columbus recorded its third homicide of the year overnight.
Columbus police respond to overnight homicide on Victory Drive on Thursday, April 2, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
Police responded to the Liberty Gas Station located at the intersection of Victory Drive and Benning Drive around 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, where they found a shooting victim.
Columbus police block off parking lot where homicide investigation is underway on Thursday, April 2, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
The victim, identified as 36-year-old Calvin Mitchell was pronounced dead at 12:26 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Piedmont Columbus Regional, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.
Columbus police respond to overnight homicide at gas station just several hundred feet from their nearest precinct on Thursday, April 2, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
The gas station, located just six hundred feet from the police department’s south precinct, was cordoned off by crime scene tape.
Crime scene investigator seen collecting evidence at homicide scene on Thursday, April 2, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
Crime scene investigators were seen using a FARO 3D camera, and marking evidence, including a flip flop and blood.
Crime scene investigator seen taking images of vehicle at homicide scene on Thursday, April 2, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
Investigators also took images of the parking lot, the business and of vehicles.
Columbus police patrol officers and investigators grouped together at homicide scene on Thursday, April 2, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
The Violent Crimes Unit is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
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