Skip to content

SCHS senior killed by gunfire in Dothan

By DEUCE NIVEN

tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com

     A senior at South Columbus High School was killed in a shooting incident in the Dothan area on Monday, with a homicide investigation ongoing Tuesday.

     Investigators were withholding the name of the 18 year-old victim Tuesday afternoon, “trying to make contact with additional family members,” Columbus County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Michele Tatum said.

     A handgun was listed as the weapon involved in the homicide reported shortly before 1 p.m. Monday in the 3000 block of Old Dothan Road, Tabor City, a report by Deputy Drew Zehnder said.

     A property sheet showed a single cab, older model truck was also involved.

     Additional details had not been released Tuesday afternoon. Maj. Brett Baxley said Tuesday morning that he had no details, but that investigators were still actively working the case.

School impact

     School was out for students on Tuesday, as staff was involved with workshops on an end-of-semester workday. Mental health support for students who need it will be provided Wednesday, Columbus County Schools’ spokesperson Kelly Jones said.

     Principal Adam Thompson said the situation was a tough one for the school.

     “I hate the whole situation,” Thompson said. “He was a good kid, it’s unfortunate that he never got to graduate. He was on track to graduate.”

     Thompson said having mental health assistance available in situations like this has become standard.

     “We try to be prepared for these situations,” Thompson said, “to have the help available if they need it, even if they don’t take advantage of it.”

     Look for more on this story here as events warrant, and in the next Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online.