COLUMBUS, Ga. — The Columbus community is reeling after a devastating domestic tragedy that unfolded Tuesday morning, February 3, 2026, in a quiet neighborhood near the Columbus Airport. Authorities say a woman was killed and her adult son later died by suicide in what investigators are describing as a murder-suicide, marking the city’s first homicide of the year.
Columbus Police officers were dispatched to a home in the 3600 block of Grier Avenue late Tuesday morning after receiving a 911 call reporting a shooting. When officers arrived, they found Rachel Savage, 52, unresponsive inside the residence. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan confirmed Savage was pronounced dead at the scene and ruled her death a homicide.
Investigators also discovered Savage’s 29-year-old son deceased at the home. Authorities later determined that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His name has not been released pending family notification. Police have not yet disclosed what may have led up to the deadly incident, but said the shooting appears to be domestic in nature.
In addition to the two deaths, Savage’s mother — the suspect’s grandmother — was found suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown campus for treatment. Officials said her condition has not been released, and no additional details about her injuries were immediately available.
The scene drew a large law enforcement response as Columbus Police patrol officers, crime scene technicians, and violent crimes detectives worked alongside the Muscogee County Coroner’s Office to process the residence. Investigators spent several hours documenting the scene, collecting evidence, and speaking with potential witnesses. Animal control officers from Paws Humane Society were also called to assist during the investigation.
Authorities confirmed this is the first homicide of 2026 in Muscogee County and the first deadly case investigated since November 2025. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Columbus Police Department. As the community mourns, officials emphasized the importance of reporting concerns and seeking help in domestic situations before they escalate into tragedy.
