Accused killer of Columbus high schooler appears in court

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)— Court testimony revealed additional details in the deadly shooting of a 15-year-old high school freshman. The alleged shooter made his first court appearance Tuesday morning.

Roannil Clanton, 20, is accused of killing Earkavion Lee, 15, last Thursday in East Columbus. Clanton’s public defender, Sheneka Terry, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf to all charges including murder, six charges of aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, and tampering with evidence.

Witness testimony and surveillance footage ties Clanton to the scene.

“Some video surveillance shows the defendant actually getting rid… trying to get rid of the clothes he was wearing at the time,” Sgt. Robert Nichols with the Columbus Police Department testified. “[He] was taking off gloves and mask and hoodies, putting them into a trash bag and then trying to toss them. But those items were recovered.”

Lee was shot multiple times after stepping off a school bus. He was walking home with his brother and sister when shots rang out.

“[Witnesses] would describe that all four were outside of the vehicle. They saw that all of them were armed,” Sgt. Nichols said. “But at the time that the bullets actually started to fly, most of them started to take cover for themselves. But they all described seeing every occupant of the vehicle outside the vehicle and armed.”

Clanton is the only defendant currently facing charges. According to court testimony there were others involved, the investigation continues, and more arrests are pending.

“None of them have been arrested at this point,” Terry asked.

“ The Columbus Police Department is aware of who they are. They just haven’t been arrested yet,” Sgt. Nichols answered.

Clanton was ordered to be held without bond on all charges. The case was bound over to Superior Court.

Previous Coverage

• Feb. 25, 2024: One killed in overnight shooting at Belvedere Park | WRBL
• Sept. 19, 2024: Police presence on Watkins Drive (wrbl.com)
• Sept. 20, 2024: Kendrick High reschedules Friday night football game amidst deadly shooting investigation (wrbl.com)
• Sept. 20, 2024: ‘It is absolutely senseless’: School district officials discuss impact of slain Kendrick High Schools student (wrbl.com)

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