Columbus Police Issues Alert: Son Sought in November 2023 Stabbing Death of Father

On Sunday, November 19, 2023, authorities responded to a welfare check in the 1000 block of Lawyers Lane. Upon arrival at approximately 4:56 p.m., Patrol Division officers made a grim discovery—a male body in a decomposed state in a bedroom. Deputy Coroner Dustin Harrelson pronounced the individual deceased at 6:34 p.m.

The Violent Crimes Unit took charge of the investigation after it was determined that the deceased was Billy Haynes, the subject of the welfare check. An autopsy revealed that Haynes died from stab/puncture wounds, leading authorities to classify the case as a homicide.

Evidence gathered at the scene was sent to the GBI Crime Lab for analysis. Following a thorough investigation, probable cause was established, leading to the issuance of a murder warrant for 31-year-old Samuel Haynes, the son of the deceased.

Sergeant Demetrius Battle, reachable at (706) 225-4340 or dbattle@columbusga.org, urges anyone with information on this case to come forward. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via City Protect or by texting VACS followed by your message to 274637 (CRIMES).

UPDATE: On May 14, 2024 Columbus Police Department was notified that Samuel Haynes had been arrested in Chicago. Investigators are awaiting a waiver of extradition to return him back to Columbus.