🌱 Columbus PD Chief Search Update + Family Calls For Death Penalty

Good morning, everybody! I'm back with your new edition of the Columbus Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 85 Low: 55.
• Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 83 Low: 58.

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Here are the top three stories today in Columbus:

1. It has been a little over two weeks since Columbus Police Department Chief Freddie Blackmon accepted a severance package and retired. Mayor Skip Henderson said an interim chief will serve for three to six months while the city searches for a permanent police chief. Currently, the city is using a statewide resource from the Georgia Association for Chiefs of Police to search for an interim leader. Henderson said of the search, "I really hope we can get a name settled on this week." (WTVM 9)
2. The family of 54-year-old Michael Carter, Sr.; his wife, 50-year-old Tonya; and their 19-year-old son Michael Carter, Jr. are calling for the death penalty for the man who allegedly murdered them. Michael and Tonya's daughter Madison Carter said that the suspect, 19-year-old Jerimiah Walker, "took my whole family out and let me watch [him] take them out. So, I want a life for a life. As in death row." Walker did not appear at the first scheduled court appearance on Apr. 19 in Columbus Recorder’s Court and instead sent a message to the judge that he wanted to hire a private attorney. (WRBL)
3. Uptown Columbus is hosting RiverFest weekend on May 12 and May 13 at Woodruff Park along the Dillingham Bridge in Columbus. To kick off the 2023 RushSouth Whitewater Park season, the free event will feature food, drinks, live music, and more. The even will run on May 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on May 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (WTVM 9)

Today and tomorrow in Columbus:

Thursday, April 20

• Columbus Got Talent At After 5 Sports Bar Grill (8:00 PM)

Friday, April 21

• Museum Alive! Bloom Bash At The Wynn House (6:00 PM)
• Relative Sound Uptown Concert Series At Uptown Columbus Inc. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Despite a nationwide decrease in housing starts and permits, the number of residential construction permits issued in the Columbus metro increased by 45.1 percent between 2021-2022. Visit the link for more insights on year-over-year changes in residential construction in Georgia and across the country. (Point2)
• A representative from Slutty Vegan, a popular Atlanta restaurant chain that serves vegan comfort food, said there is no exact opening date set for the Columbus location. But the construction is ongoing and the grand opening for the new Manchester Expressway location will be announced via social media when the date is set. (WTVM 9)
• Columbus’ newest 102-unit mixed-income housing development, The Banks at Mill Village, officially opened on Tuesday, Apr. 18. The $30 million development has replaced The Chase Homes. (WRBL)
• On the lookout for a new home, or just interested in what's out there? Check out the latest homes for sale in the Columbus area, including a three-bedroom on Northgate Drive for $175,000. (Columbus Patch)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you soon.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!