An 18-year-old Columbus, Georgia, man has died after being shot during an overnight gathering in Lee County, Alabama, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting happened around 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, leading deputies, firefighters, and emergency medical crews to respond to the scene. When first responders arrived, they found Anthony Onochie 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.
Authorities said Onochie’s body will be transported by the Lee County Coroner’s Office to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for a postmortem examination.
Investigators said a large gathering with numerous people was taking place at the residence when the shooting occurred. Preliminary information indicates the incident began after an altercation between individuals attending the event.
During the investigation, authorities recovered a 9mm handgun believed to have been used in the shooting. Investigators and evidence technicians also collected evidence from the scene, including multiple shell casings. Two long guns and a backpack were documented, while a nearby residence was searched and a white Toyota Camry was examined as part of the investigation.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a male suspect has been detained in connection with the shooting. No charges have been announced.
The circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting remain under investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Family, friends, and loved ones are mourning the loss of Anthony Onochie as they remember his life and the impact he had on those who knew him.
