Teen Shot and Killed on Watkins Drive in Columbus, Suspect in Custody for Murder

On Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 4:27 p.m., Columbus Police officers responded to a shooting in the 2300 block of Watkins Drive. Upon arrival, officers found 15-year-old Earkavion Lee suffering from a gunshot wound in the street. EMS transported Lee to Piedmont Columbus Regional, where he was pronounced dead at 5:15 p.m.

The Violent Crimes Unit was called to lead the investigation. That same day, Roannil Clanton was arrested and charged with Murder and six counts of Aggravated Assault in connection with Lee’s death. Clanton’s arrest was made possible through the collaboration of Columbus Police, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

Clanton is scheduled to appear in Recorder’s Court on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 8 a.m. Authorities believe additional arrests are forthcoming. Anyone with information is urged to contact Sgt. R. Nicholas at 706-225-4363.