Suspect arrested in murder of 15-year-old shot dead after school

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – A teenager tragically died following a shooting Thursday afternoon in Columbus.

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the victim as 15-year-old Earkavion Lee.

Authorities tell us the shooting happened in the 2300 block of Watkins Drive, near Lamore Street, around 4:30 p.m. The coroner said Lee died from his injuries at Piedmont Columbus Regional around 5:15 p.m.

On September 19, Roannil Clanton, 20, was taken into custody. He is charged with murder in Lee’s death. He will also be charged with six counts of aggravated assault.

Roannil Clanton, 20, arrested after shooting dead a 15-year-old boy who was getting off a bus. — Roannil Clanton, 20, arrested after 15-year-old boy was shot and killed after getting off Muscogee County school bus(Source: Columbus Police Department)

“It’s a real shock any time a violent crime occurs, especially when someone loses their life. It’s horrific,” said Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson.

The teen was a student in the Muscogee County School District, according to a spokesperson. Authorities said the incident involved students on a school bus. School district police were also at the scene.

The school district released this statement about Porter.

The Muscogee County School District mourns the tragic loss of one of our students, Earkavion Lee, a 9th grader at Kendrick High School, as a result of senseless gun violence. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire school community during this incredibly difficult time.

The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. We are confident that the Columbus Police Department will continue to thoroughly investigate this matter and we ask for respect and privacy for the family at this time.

This loss will undoubtedly bring up a range of emotions, concerns and questions within our school community, particularly among our students. To provide support, the Muscogee County School District Crisis Response Team, comprised of trained professionals, will be available to address the emotional needs of students, parents and staff during this difficult time. School counselors are also available to assist and advise anyone in need.

Please direct any media inquiries regarding this situation to the Columbus Police Department.

“There’s something really bizarre about this,” Henderson said. “This kid was getting off the school bus where he was supposed to be rescued. He was in school … at the age of 15. This is a senseless, senseless act. Now that it’s happened, the only thing we can think about is bringing to justice those who did this.”

We’ve learned that Earkavion Lee is the brother of another Columbus teenager, Earkus Porter, who was fatally shot in Belvedere Park in February.

“There are young people who have access to firearms and are doing things that their brains are not yet formed enough to consider doing,” the mayor added. “We’re going to continue to work and our law enforcement will not rest, and crime prevention will not rest, until these kinds of things happen.”

Clanton is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, September 24 at 8 a.m. Authorities say additional arrests are pending.

“If they catch him, they’ll be spending their lives behind bars for the foreseeable future,” Henderson said.

Columbus police initially said the student was 18, but later corrected that information.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant R. Nicholas at 706-225-4363.