The family of an 18-year-old Nigerian teenager, Anthony Onochie, is demanding justice after he was fatally shot in Columbus, Georgia, United States, following an altercation with another teenager.
Anthony, the twin son of Anayo and Donna Onochie, was shot on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Three days after the incident, no arrest had been made, prompting his family to call on authorities to swiftly apprehend those responsible.
A promising football player and outstanding student, Anthony had recently graduated from Northside High School with a 4.3 Grade Point Average (GPA) and was preparing to begin a finance degree at Georgia State University in August.
According to reports by local television station WTVM, Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton said Anthony was found with multiple gunshot wounds on Lee Road 1-97 shortly after 1:30 a.m. Emergency responders rushed him to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The tragedy occurred shortly after the Onochie family returned from a week-long vacation in Florida, turning what had been a joyful family outing into a devastating loss.
Anthony’s twin brother, Andrew, described him as a courageous young man who stood firmly against disrespect and rejected suggestions that he was involved in criminal activity.
“My parents did not raise him like that. He was a disciplined Nigerian boy with great values,” Andrew said, while calling for a thorough investigation and urging authorities to uncover the full truth behind the killing.
He also condemned the growing wave of gun violence in the United States, insisting that young people should not have easy access to firearms. Andrew appealed to law enforcement agencies to ensure that the suspect is arrested and prosecuted.
A close family friend, Dr. Okey Anueyiagu, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing Anthony as a bright and promising young man whose life was cut short by senseless violence.
He lamented the increasing rate of gun-related killings, saying the widespread availability of firearms continues to fuel avoidable tragedies and inflict lasting pain on families and communities.
Dr. Anueyiagu urged the public to remember the grieving family in prayers while calling for stronger efforts to curb gun violence and protect innocent lives.
Anthony’s death has sparked renewed concerns over rising gun violence in the United States, with family members and friends hoping that justice will be served and that his memory will inspire greater action against violent crime.
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