Columbus Police Investigating Deadly Shooting on Reese Road: 51-Year-Old Man Killed
COLUMBUS, Ga. — A quiet Saturday afternoon in Columbus was shattered by gunfire as police responded to a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a 51-year-old man. The Columbus Police Department is actively investigating the incident, which occurred around 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in the 2800 block of Reese Road, just off of Macon Road.
A Life Taken in Broad Daylight
According to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan, the victim has been identified as Donnie Hand, age 51. Hand was pronounced dead at the scene, having sustained fatal gunshot wounds during what authorities have described as an apparent homicide. His next of kin has been notified, and a full investigation is now underway.
Officials with the Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, along with personnel from the Crime Scene Investigation Division, were quickly dispatched to the scene and have since spent hours collecting evidence, canvassing the area, and speaking with potential witnesses.
Community Shocked by Midday Violence
The incident took place in a residential area that is typically described by residents as relatively quiet, adding to the shock and concern within the local community. Several neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots ring out just after noon, followed by sirens as first responders rushed to the scene.
“I heard the shots, then I saw all the flashing lights,” said one resident who lives a few doors down. “It’s heartbreaking to hear someone was killed in the middle of the day right here in our neighborhood.”
Others expressed fear over the apparent increase in gun violence, particularly during daytime hours when children are often playing outside and families are running errands.
Details Still Developing
As of now, no arrests have been announced, and police have not released any information regarding the suspect or suspects involved. Authorities have also not yet commented on a possible motive behind the shooting or the relationship, if any, between Donnie Hand and the individual who shot him.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has surveillance footage from the area to come forward. Individuals with information can contact the Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Who Was Donnie Hand?
Little has been publicly shared about Donnie Hand beyond his age and identity, but neighbors described him as a quiet, familiar face in the community.
“He wasn’t someone who caused trouble,” one resident shared. “It’s just sad that this is how his life ended.”
Friends and family have already begun expressing grief on social media, calling for justice and remembrance for a man they say didn’t deserve such a violent fate.
Columbus Police Continue Efforts Against Gun Violence
This latest homicide adds to a troubling pattern of gun violence in Columbus, which has seen a string of shootings in recent months. The Columbus Police Department has ramped up patrols and community outreach programs to try to curb the rise in violent crimes, but incidents like the one on Reese Road remind residents that the crisis is ongoing.
Police Chief Freddie Blackmon previously emphasized the department’s commitment to community safety, stating, “Every life lost to gun violence is one too many. We are doing everything we can to bring justice to the victims and peace to our neighborhoods.”
What Happens Next?
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with detectives working around the clock to piece together exactly what happened and why. For now, one man is dead, a community is shaken, and a family is left to mourn the sudden and senseless loss of a loved one.
As Columbus grapples with another life lost to violence, residents are once again left asking: How do we stop the bloodshed, and how do we heal from the pain it leaves behind?
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to call the Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit at (706) 653-3400 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (706) 653-3188.