A man is behind bars and accused of fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend Saturday near the Riverwalk.
Dietrix Cunningham, 20, is charged with murder in the death of Abria Harris, 18, who was a student at New Hope High School.
Police responded at about 6 p.m. to the small public parking area about halfway down the length of the Riverwalk, Columbus Police Department Public Information Officer Bryan Moore said. Harris was pronounced dead at the scene with a single gunshot wound to the head.
Cunningham called 911 to report his friend had accidentally shot herself while playing with a gun. A police investigation concluded Harris had not shot herself, Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant told The Dispatch in a text message, and officers arrested Cunningham.
Moore said the victim was Cunningham’s ex-girlfriend.
Cunningham was booked in Lowndes County Adult Detention Center, where he remained as of press time Monday.
New Hope High students gathered around the school’s flagpole Monday morning in remembrance of Harris. Superintendent Sam Allison issued a public statement about the tragic death earlier that morning.
“Losing a student is difficult and, in our minds,” Allison wrote. “It is not supposed to happen. We are conditioned to believe death is for the old, but we are reminded again that is not true. Again, there are no words to express the heartache felt during this time. Our focus remains on supporting our students and teachers. We appreciate the assistance we have from our local pastors and counselors, whose help is invaluable and always available when we need it. We ask that everyone join us in keeping this student’s family, classmates and teachers in your thoughts and prayers.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 42 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 42 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
