The first Columbus shooting death of 2015 occurred less than a half-hour after midnight Thursday at a local nightclub.
Columbus police have arrested 30-year-old Billy Kennedy, of Columbus, on suspicion of murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after he allegedly fatally shot 32-year-old Timothy Barker, also of Columbus, at Club Heidi Ho on 22nd Street South early Thursday morning.
A CPD press release said officers responded to the scene at about 12:24 a.m. and found Barker, who had suffered at least one gunshot wound. Barker was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle where he later died.
Kennedy is being held in Lowndes County Adult Detention Center. He was scheduled to be arraigned late this morning. CPD Capt. Brent Swan said the department continues to investigate. He did not release further details before press time.
Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant said Barker’s autopsy is scheduled for today.
Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.
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