Gabriela Johnson

Columbus

Reporter at WTVM-TV (Columbus, GA)

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Articles

Fort Benning ties surface in search for father accused of killing his daughters

3 weeks ago | walb.com | Gabriela Johnson

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - There is an active search in central Washington state right now for a former soldier who served in the Chattahoochee Valley. Travis Decker, 32, is accused of kidnapping and murdering his three young daughters. People in nearby communities are warned to be on the lookout and high alert as multiple agencies search for Decker—the father of the young victims. The suspect was stationed on Fort Benning five years ago.
Columbus-area camp preps hundreds of high school cadets for military and beyond

3 weeks ago | walb.com | Gabriela Johnson

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Hundreds of high school students from Georgia and Alabama are in the Columbus area this week, pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. It’s for the Lighthouse Brigade JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge. The JCLC 2025, as it’s called, is happening in different spots: at Columbus State University, on Fort Benning and at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. The JROTC cadets sharpened their courage Monday by going through a confidence obstacle course.
Soldier, 19, dies after jumping off bridge for fun on Labor Day, coroner says

Sep 4, 2024 | actionnews5.com | Gabriela Johnson

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM/Gray News) - A 19-year-old soldier died after jumping from a Georgia bridge during what was supposed to be a fun Labor Day outing, according to the coroner. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the victim as 19-year-old Cutter Baird, a soldier who was stationed at Fort Moore, WTVM reports.
Soldier, 19, dies after jumping off bridge for fun on Labor Day, coroner says

Sep 3, 2024 | weau.com | Gabriela Johnson

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM/Gray News) - A 19-year-old soldier died after jumping from a Georgia bridge during what was supposed to be a fun Labor Day outing, according to the coroner. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the victim as 19-year-old Cutter Baird, a soldier who was stationed at Fort Moore, WTVM reports.
Lanett mayor, police chief mourn loss of longtime fire chief

Aug 15, 2024 | wsfa.com | Gabriela Johnson

LANETT, Ala. (WTVM) - The city of Lanett lost a pillar of the community earlier this week. Lanett Fire and EMS chief Johnny Allen, 62, died peacefully at his home Monday, according to his obituary. Allen began his career as a firefighter in the early 1980s and then rose to the top as chief in 2009, a role he was dedicated to until his passing. “It will be a big void and it will be hard to fill,” said Lanett Mayor Jamie Heard. Heard says even through his illness, Chief Allen remained dependable.
Community mourns motorcyclist killed in Lee County crash

Aug 14, 2024 | wsfa.com | Gabriela Johnson

LEE COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) - Family, friends and loved ones of a Phenix City man gathered Tuesday evening to honor his life following his sudden death. Tyler Smith, 28, died in a motorcycle crash after hitting a deer Tuesday morning in Salem. Tyler was a local artist, worship leader and mental health advocate. Loved ones say he lived each day based on a bible verse in the book of John. The mother of his sons says he will be truly missed.
Columbus police chief cites 'visibility' and 'presence' as key to crime reduction

Aug 5, 2024 | wtvm.com | Gabriela Johnson

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Crime numbers in the Fountain City are decreasing and the Columbus Police Department is nearly fully staffed less than a year after Stoney Mathis was appointed police chief. "Crime is down 10 percent this time as compared to last year at the same time," said Chief Mathis. News Leader 9 asked Mathis what he believes is the reason crime has gone down. He cites two things:"Visibility and presence are two things that reduce crime," he said.
Young leaders rally for voter engagement in Georgia

Aug 3, 2024 | wtvm.com | Gabriela Johnson

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Gen-Z is hard at work rallying young people to go vote in November. In an interview with News Leader 9 both the President of the Young Democrats of Georgia and the Chairwoman for Georgia Young Republicans say the 2024 election is crucial to the future they want to build. "Gen z is going to show up and show out," said Parker Short, Young Democrats of Georgia President. "Vote for the future you," said Jacquelyn Harn, Georgia Young Republicans Chairwoman.
Shining a light on domestic violence after tragic events

Jul 25, 2024 | wtvm.com | Gabriela Johnson

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - "It breaks my heart because these types of crimes are personal to me," said Crystal Sund. Sund is the Alabama legal advocate for Hope Harbour, a domestic violence shelter for women in the Chattahoochee Valley. News leader 9 sat down with Sund following three recent deadly situations in Columbus involving potential domestic violence. The most recent occurred Wednesday morning.
Animal allies, city council call for investigation on Cols. Animal Care & Control

Jul 23, 2024 | wtvm.com | Gabriela Johnson

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Disturbing videos that surfaced recently show what several call inhumane treatment of animals has Columbus Animal Allies upset and ready to take action. Columbus officials are calling for an investigation into allegations of animal abuse and mismanagement related to the Columbus Animal Care and Control Office. Members of Columbus Animal Allies are questioning if proper policy was followed during euthanasia at the shelter.