Mozelle Barbee, 53, was found dead of gunshot wounds after a welfare check on the evening of Saturday, July 5, 2025, in the 400 block of 20th Avenue near Mason Street in Columbus, Georgia. The Muscogee County Coroner pronounced her dead at 6:40 p.m. that evening and the death was ruled a homicide.

Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit investigated the case and shortly after the discovery arrested 65-year-old Jimmie Lee Thomas, identified as Barbee’s boyfriend. Thomas was charged with murder and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime. Barbee’s killing was the fourth homicide in the Columbus area over a three-day span.

Anyone with information about Mozelle Barbee, her last hours, or the neighborhood that evening is asked to come forward.