Identity of body found in Benning Hills is released, Columbus police investigate shooting
The identity of the body found Wednesday night in Benning Hills Park has been released.
Joshua Ali Sanford, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds around 7:30 p.m. after the Muscogee County Coroner’s Office was notified around 7 p.m., coroner Buddy Bryan told the Ledger-Enquirer.
Deputy coroner Elizabeth Allison found the body on the ground next to a park bench, Bryan said.
An autopsy will be performed at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab in Decatur, he said.
The Columbus Police Department is investigating the homicide as a murder, CPD announced in a news release.
Police from the department’s patrol division responded at 6:47 p.m. to a call regarding a deceased person at the park, 101 Patton Drive. A citizen who was walking through the park noticed a male lying on the ground and called 911. Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene and tried to resuscitate him, but he had succumbed to his injuries.
Anyone with information concerning this case is encouraged to call Sgt. D. Baker at 706-225-4296 or email dbaker@columbusga.org. To anonymously provide information about any crime in Columbus, call 706-653-3188
