In the summer of 2023, a violent act cut short the life of Jimmy Hearns, a 43-year-old man in Columbus, Georgia. On the evening of July 15th, law enforcement responded to a call of a shooting on Buena Vista Road. Upon their arrival, they discovered Hearns, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
For over a year, the case remained under investigation as authorities worked to identify the person or persons responsible for Hearns's death.
The community was left seeking answers and justice for the killing. The dedicated work of investigators eventually led to a significant breakthrough in the case.
On March 17, 2025, the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office Special Operations Unit took a suspect into custody. Dazuan Leshea Shelton was arrested and faced a series of serious charges in connection with the death of Jimmy Hearns. The charges brought against Shelton included Felony Murder, Felony Aggravated Assault, and Felony Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. Following his arrest, Shelton was transported to the Muscogee County Jail. Authorities confirmed that the investigation into the shooting remained active even after the arrest.
