In the early morning hours of October 13, 2025, a tragic mistake in a Columbus, Georgia home led to the death of 31-year-old Erica Blascom Anderson. A new lecturer in the Department of Theatre & Dance at Columbus State University, Anderson had recently moved to the area from Indiana for the position. She had just returned from a trip to visit her husband and three children in Indianapolis.
Her husband was reportedly undergoing treatment for cancer.
Residing in a home in the 1600 block of 17th Avenue near Lakebottom Park with a roommate, Anderson entered the house and was mistaken for an intruder. Her roommate, who had allegedly been receiving threats from her son, heard a noise and, fearing for her safety, armed herself with a pistol. In the darkness, the roommate fired two shots, at least one of which struck and fatally wounded Anderson.
The Muscogee County Coroner's Office and the Columbus Police Department investigated the shooting and deemed it to be a tragic accident. The Violent Crimes Unit of the Columbus Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. Reports indicated that the case would be presented to a grand jury to determine if any charges would be filed against the roommate, who has not been publicly identified. There have been no reports of any arrests made in connection with the incident. Columbus State University issued a statement mourning the loss of the new faculty member who had quickly made a positive impact on her students.
