18-year-old Columbus man dies after overnight shooting at Lee County gathering
An 18-year-old Columbus man has died after being shot during an overnight gathering in Lee County, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting happened at approximately 1:21 a.m. CDT on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in the 800 block of Lee Road 197 in unincorporated Lee County.
According to investigators, Lee County 911 received reports of a shooting, prompting deputies, firefighters, and EMS to respond to the scene. When first responders arrived, they found 18-year-old Anthony Onochie of Columbus, Georgia, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Onochie was transported to the trauma center at Piedmont Midtown, where he later died from his injuries. Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton pronounced him dead at 11:33 a.m. CDT.
His body will be transported by the Lee County Coroner’s Office to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for a postmortem examination.
Authorities said a large party with numerous people was taking place at the residence when the shooting occurred. Preliminary information indicates the shooting stemmed from an altercation between individuals attending the gathering.
Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun believed to have been used in the shooting. Earlier Saturday morning, sheriff’s investigators and evidence technicians remained at the scene collecting evidence, including multiple shell casings. Investigators also documented two long guns and a backpack found at the scene, searched a nearby residence, and examined a white Toyota Camry parked near the location.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office previously confirmed that a male suspect has been detained in connection with the shooting. No charges have been announced as of Saturday evening.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
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