In the early morning hours of Sunday, October 20, 2024, a grim discovery was made in Columbus, Georgia. The body of 35-year-old Shacoya Baker, a female, was found in a ditch along the 6000 block of Flat Rock Road. Columbus police were dispatched to the scene at approximately 7:10 a.m. after receiving a report about a deceased person. Upon their arrival, they found Ms. Baker had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
The Muscogee County Coroner, Buddy Bryan, was called to the location and officially pronounced her dead at 8 a.m.
The Columbus Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit promptly launched a homicide investigation into the death of Shacoya Baker. Their preliminary inquiries quickly led them to a person of interest residing in the vicinity of where the body was discovered. The suspect was identified as 40-year-old Bryant Butler. When authorities attempted to make contact with him, a brief standoff ensued. However, the situation was resolved with Butler's arrest.
Following his apprehension, Bryant Butler was charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in connection with Shacoya Baker's death. He was scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Recorder's Court on October 22, 2024. Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the killing or if the victim and the suspect had any prior relationship. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Shacoya Baker is ongoing.
