Columbus Woman Found Dead, Suspect Arrested After Brief Standoff

By Janell Williams

A woman was found dead Sunday morning in a ditch along Flat Rock Road, prompting a murder investigation that led to the arrest of a nearby resident after a brief standoff, Columbus police said.

Officers responded to the 6000 block of Flat Rock Road at 7:10 a.m. on Oct. 20, 2024, after receiving a report of a deceased female. Upon arrival, police located Shacoya Baker, 35, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan arrived on the scene and pronounced Baker dead at 8 a.m.

The Violent Crimes Unit immediately took over the investigation. Preliminary findings pointed to Bryant Butler, 40, a resident in the vicinity. After a brief standoff with authorities, Butler was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, according to police reports.

Butler was scheduled to appear in Recorder’s Court for a preliminary hearing on at 8 a.m. Oct. 22, 2024.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Sgt. D. Battle at 706-225-4340 or via email at dbattle@columbusga.org.

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