Two dead in apparent murder-suicide at Columbus State University

This story was originally published by the Ledger-Enquirer.

Two people are dead after an apparent homicide-suicide at Columbus State University’s main campus, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.

Bryan says one female is dead in a car and a deceased male is on the ground next to the car. Bryan says it appears the male shot the woman and then himself.

“At approximately 10:10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, university leadership was notified of a gun-related incident on Main Campus near the area of Lenoir Annex,” a CSU statements says.

“Columbus State University Police are now investigating the matter in partnership with the Columbus Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation,” the statement went on to say.

CSU is currently canceling any campus-wide extra-curricular activities, according to Assistant Vice-President of University Operation Steve Morse.

Established in 1958, GSU has approximately 8,500 students enrolled and is part of the University System of Georgia. It’s located in the heart of Columbus.

CSU students, while startled, still seemed to feel safe on campus.

Freshman Nate Eroh lives on campus near where the killings occurred and said, “It’s crazy to me that people will go that far.”

“It’s scary but like at the same there’s nothing we can do at this point.” Eroh said. “I still feel pretty safe, it’s just kinda weird seeing all the tape and the cops.

Another student lamented violence in Columbus overall.

“It’s absolutely terrible,” said CSU student Ezra Otersen. “And I’m from Columbus and so I’m sort of like desensitized to all the violence in the area.”

Otersen went on to say that the campus still feels safe despite the tragedy.

A third student joined his classmates on the safety factor.

“Overall, I feel safe even though it happened so close to my living quarters, but at the same time, you know, incidents will happen once in a while,” said CSU student Joshua Glass.

This story is ongoing and will be updated as new information becomes available.