🌱 Columbus PD Investigate 2 Fatal Shootings + Peach Cobbler Factory

Hello, everybody. It's Tuesday in Columbus and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in the community.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 70 Low: 47.
• Wednesday: Turning sunny and pleasant. High: 71 Low: 43.

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Here are the top three stories today in Columbus:

1. Columbus police are investigating two fatal shootings that occurred overnight on Friday, Mar. 24, in Columbus. Natalie Bell, 39, was shot multiple times on Brown Avenue and later died of her injuries at Piedmont Hospital. Janie Bell, Natalie’s mother, said her daughter was in the wrong place at the wrong time; she said a young male was attempting to steal from a convenience store when he shot Natalie. Columbus Police are also investigating the death of 63-year-old Sharon Johnson, who was fatally shot at her home on Joy Road. (WTVM 9)
2. The Peach Cobbler Factory is moving into the former Sweet Frog building located at 2511 Airport Thruway at The Landings in Columbus. According to The Landings management, construction is expected to begin in early April, and the new dessert shop should open in early to mid-June. (WTVM 9)
3. Almost 800 people gathered at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center for the 18th annual Mayor’s Masked Ball to help raise money for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Mayor Skip Henderson said, "We desperately need to try to raise more funds to allow these young
   people an opportunity to [go to college], primarily because it’s just getting tougher and tougher for them to try to find scholarships, find a way into some of those other universities. So, it’s just a great program. It’s a great opportunity to kind of invest in our future." (WRBL)

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Today and tomorrow in Columbus:

Tuesday, March 28

• Ice Cream Social Ride At Kilwins Columbus (6:30 PM)

Wednesday, March 29

• Pictures With The Easter Bunny At Peachtree Mall Center Court (12:00 PM)
• Wine Wednesday: Beachy Twilight Moon At Painting With A Twist Columbus (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Talbot County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) is looking for Roosevelt Pye who was last seen in Columbus at 3 p.m. on Mar. 26. Pye is a black male in his late seventies, has early stages of both dementia and Alzheimer’s, and was last seen driving a silver 2019 Kia Forte with a Georgia tag reading “CQI 7389." TCSO asks anyone with information to call 706-665-8681. (WRBL)
• Officials were able to re-capture two tigers who escaped from the Wild Animal Safari, a drive-through animal encounter in Pine Mountain about 38.7 miles from Columbus, after a recent storm damaged the enclosure. Both tigers are now safe, and officials reported that no staff or animals were injured. (Local 12 News)
• Looking for a new home and want the latest scoop on what's available near you? Check out the latest homes for sale in the Columbus area, including an adorable three-bedroom on 18th Avenue for $128,000! (Columbus Patch)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early soon with your next update.

— 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!