A Columbus man is dead and another injured after an early morning shooting Saturday.
Joshua Anthony Richardson was found dead about 6:30 a.m. Saturday near Cherry Street, according to Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant.
The 24-year-old died from a gunshot wound, Merchant said. Merchant declined to say how many times Richardson was shot.
Richardson’s death appeared to stem from a shooting that happened about 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Merchant said.
The incident occurred near the intersection of Cherry and Peach streets, according to a Columbus Police Department press release.
Officers responded to the scene and discovered a 22-year-old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound, according to the release. The 22-year-old — who was not identified — was transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle and then flown to University Medical Center in Jackson.
According to the release, officers were only looking for one victim and did not notice the body of the second victim. Approximately five hours later, Richardson’s body was discovered in bushes and shrubbery by his family members.
Merchant said Richardson’s body was located near the original incident, behind a group of apartments.
The incident is under investigation.
Columbus Police Chief Tony Carleton declined to comment on whether his department named a suspect.
Sarah Fowler covered crime, education and community related events for The Dispatch.
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