Multiple Columbus Murders Prompt Series of Arrests

Multiple deadly shootings and related arrests have recently occurred in Columbus, Georgia, and Galveston, Texas, highlighting ongoing gun violence in these communities. In Columbus, a suspect named Zion Horton was arrested in connection with the April 2024 shooting that killed 17-year-old Daryus Bryant and injured another person, with more arrests expected. Over the weekend of July 5, 2025, Columbus experienced a surge in violence with four homicides across different neighborhoods: Mozelle Barbee was killed in south Columbus, Donnie Hand in east Columbus, and Shaunquan Walker at a westside gas station; arrests have been made in all these cases, including suspects Jimmie Lee Thomas and Christopher Popp. Police continue to investigate these incidents and urge the public to provide information to aid their efforts. Meanwhile, in Galveston, Texas, 29-year-old Jovani Rodriguez was arrested following a fatal shooting linked to an argument, pending murder charges. These incidents underscore the significant impact of firearm-related violence, particularly among youth in Georgia, where gun deaths have risen sharply in recent years.