COLUMBUS, GEORGIA — A man was fatally shot Thursday night in the quiet Stone Creek subdivision, marking yet another tragic act of gun violence in a city already struggling with a rising homicide rate. Authorities have identified the victim as William Javon Tatum, who was discovered near his SUV following reports of gunfire in the area.
Police were called to the 5000 block of Stone Park Drive around 9:00 p.m. on October 10, after residents reported hearing multiple shots. When officers arrived, they found Tatum lying near his vehicle, unresponsive, surrounded by shattered glass and a single shell casing. Emergency responders immediately rendered aid before transporting him to Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Campus, where he was later pronounced dead at 9:38 p.m.
Investigators quickly secured the scene, placing yellow evidence markers across the street and canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses. Detectives believe the shooting occurred moments after Tatum parked his SUV, though it remains unclear whether he was targeted or if the attack was random. Neighbors described hearing a brief commotion, followed by the sound of squealing tires as a vehicle sped away.
Authorities have not yet released any information about potential suspects or motives. Surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. Detectives are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact Columbus Police Department’s Homicide Unit or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Residents of the Stone Creek subdivision, a typically peaceful neighborhood on Columbus’s northeast side, expressed shock over the incident. Several neighbors said the sound of gunfire shattered their sense of safety, especially in a community known for its family-friendly atmosphere. One resident said they often walked their dog along Stone Park Drive and never imagined such violence could unfold so close to home.
Police said this was the third shooting in Columbus that week and the second homicide since Monday, a troubling pattern that underscores the city’s ongoing struggle with violent crime. So far this year, Columbus has recorded 24 murders, reflecting what officials describe as a deeply concerning rise in deadly confrontations.
City leaders and community advocates have called for renewed focus on gun safety, conflict resolution programs, and youth outreach initiatives. They argue that addressing the root causes of violence—poverty, unemployment, and limited access to mental health care—is essential to preventing further loss of life.
At Piedmont Columbus Regional, where Tatum was pronounced dead, family members and friends gathered in grief. Many were too distraught to speak, mourning a man whose life ended abruptly and violently. Police offered condolences to the victim’s family, promising that every effort will be made to bring justice and closure.
As investigators continue piecing together the events leading up to the shooting, community members are being reminded to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity. Authorities emphasized that even the smallest detail could help solve the case.
The Columbus Police Department remains committed to finding the person responsible for William Javon Tatum’s death. Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement immediately as the city confronts another heartbreaking reminder of how swiftly violence can strike.
