Harvey Walker Jr. Killed in Colonial Inn Shooting in Phenix City; Tionne Carreker Charged with Capital Murder, Tisha Gibson Wanted, LaVincent Harris Faces Evidence Tampering.

PHENIX CITY, AL – A quiet Monday morning turned into a homicide scene after Harvey Walker Jr. , a 36-year-old man from Columbus, Georgia, was found shot to death inside a hotel room at the Colonial Inn in Phenix City. The shooting, which occurred in the early hours of May 11, 2026, has left two communities in mourning and launched a multi-agency manhunt for a suspect still at large.

According to the Phenix City Police Department, officers responded to the Colonial Inn, located at 905 Highway 280 East Bypass, shortly after receiving reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered Harvey Walker Jr. suffering from at least one gunshot wound inside one of the hotel’s rooms. Despite the rapid response of law enforcement, Walker was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 2:00 a.m. by Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr.

The death was immediately classified as a homicide, and detectives launched an intensive investigation that would unfold rapidly over the following hours.

Arrests Made, Manhunt Underway

By midday Monday, Phenix City police announced multiple arrests and an active warrant. Tionne Carreker was taken into custody and charged with Capital Murder in connection with Walker’s death. A second individual, LaVincent Harris , was arrested and charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence and Possession of Marijuana First Degree , according to official statements.

However, authorities confirmed that a third suspect remains at large. Tisha Gibson is wanted on an outstanding Capital Murder warrant. Police have not released a detailed description or photograph of Gibson at the time of publication but urged the public to exercise caution and report any sightings immediately.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” a Phenix City Police spokesperson said. “We believe there may be individuals who have information that could assist in locating Tisha Gibson and in understanding the full sequence of events leading to the death of Harvey Walker Jr. ”

Investigators have not disclosed the relationship between Walker, Carreker, Harris, and Gibson, nor have they revealed a motive for the shooting. It also remains unclear whether Walker was staying at the Colonial Inn or was visiting the room where the shooting occurred.

Crime Scene: Colonial Inn on Highway 280

The Colonial Inn is a well-known budget motel located on a busy commercial stretch of Highway 280 East Bypass in Phenix City, just across the Chattahoochee River from Columbus, Georgia. The area is home to numerous hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses, and it typically sees heavy traffic at all hours.

Following the shooting, police cordoned off a large section of the motel parking lot and several rooms. Crime scene investigators spent hours documenting evidence, photographing the scene, and collecting potential forensic material. Witnesses — including other guests who reported hearing loud arguing followed by gunshots — were interviewed throughout the morning.

One guest, who asked not to be identified, told local media: “I heard two loud pops around 1:45 a.m. At first I thought it was a car backfiring. Then I heard people running and yelling. Next thing I knew, police were everywhere.”

Hotel management has cooperated fully with authorities, providing surveillance footage and guest registration records.

The Victim: Harvey Walker Jr. of Columbus, GA

Harvey Walker Jr. , 36, was a resident of Columbus, Georgia, located just minutes from Phenix City across the state line. Friends and family describe him as a loving father, a loyal friend, and a hardworking man who was well-known in both communities.

“He had the biggest heart,” said a cousin who spoke at the scene. “He would give you his last dollar if you needed it. He didn’t deserve to die like this — alone in some hotel room. We want justice.”

Another friend added: “Harvey was always laughing, always trying to make everyone around him feel good. This doesn’t make any sense. Why would anyone want to hurt him?”

As of publication, no formal obituary has been released by the family, but funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days through a local funeral home in Columbus. A GoFundMe campaign was reportedly being considered to assist with funeral costs and to support Walker’s children, though no official link had been published at the time of this report.

Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. Confirms Death

Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. , a well-respected official who has served the community for years, responded personally to the scene. He confirmed that Harvey Walker Jr. was pronounced dead at 2:00 a.m. due to a gunshot wound. An autopsy will be performed by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to officially determine the cause and manner of death.

In a brief statement, Coroner Sumbry said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Walker. This is a tragic loss of a young life, and we are committed to working with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.”

Charges Explained: Capital Murder, Evidence Tampering, and Marijuana Possession

The charges filed so far paint a complex picture of the incident.

Capital Murder (charged against Tionne Carreker and sought for Tisha Gibson ) is the most serious homicide charge in Alabama. Under Alabama law, capital murder can apply when a killing occurs during the commission of certain felonies, such as robbery, burglary, or kidnapping, or when the victim is killed in a particularly heinous manner. It can also apply to a murder committed for hire or by a defendant with a prior murder conviction. Capital murder is punishable by life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty, depending on the circumstances and prosecutorial discretion.

Tampering with Physical Evidence (charged against LaVincent Harris ) is a felony in Alabama that involves altering, destroying, concealing, or removing evidence with the intent to impair its availability in an official proceeding. This charge suggests that investigators believe Harris may have attempted to hide or destroy a weapon, clothing, or other items connected to the shooting.

Possession of Marijuana First Degree is also a felony in Alabama, typically involving possession of a large amount of marijuana (over 2.2 pounds) or possession with intent to distribute. This charge may be unrelated to the homicide or could indicate that the hotel room was being used for drug-related activity.

Manhunt for Tisha Gibson

As of publication, Tisha Gibson remains at large. Police have not released her age, physical description, or known associates, but they are urging the public to be on alert. Anyone with information on Gibson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Phenix City Police Department immediately and not to approach her, as she is considered armed and dangerous.

“We are pursuing every lead,” a detective said. “We believe she is still in the region, possibly being sheltered by friends or family. We are asking anyone who knows where she is to do the right thing and come forward.”

Community Reaction: Grief and Fear

The shooting has rattled both Phenix City and Columbus. While violent crime occurs in any city, a fatal shooting inside a busy hotel — with multiple suspects and an active manhunt — has elevated public concern.

“I stay at the Colonial Inn sometimes when I visit family,” said a Phenix City resident. “It’s usually quiet. This is terrifying. My heart goes out to that man’s family.”

Community leaders have called for calm and cooperation with police. “Do not take matters into your own hands,” said a local pastor. “Let the justice system work. If you know something, tell the police. That is how we honor Harvey Walker Jr. ”

The Investigation Continues

Phenix City detectives are continuing to interview witnesses, analyze forensic evidence, and track down leads regarding Tisha Gibson. They are also working to establish a timeline of events leading up to the shooting, including whether Walker knew his attackers and what brought all parties to the Colonial Inn.

Police are asking anyone who was at the Colonial Inn between 10:00 p.m. on May 10 and 3:00 a.m. on May 11, or anyone with information about Tionne Carreker , LaVincent Harris , or Tisha Gibson , to come forward.

How the Public Can Help

Anyone with information is urged to contact:

Phenix City Police Department
(334) 448-2800
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at (334) 215-STOP (7867) or via their website. Rewards may be available for information leading to an arrest.

Legal Proceedings Ahead

Tionne Carreker is currently being held in the Russell County Jail without bond, pending a bond hearing. LaVincent Harris is also in custody, though his bond status has not been released. Both are entitled to legal representation, and arraignment dates have not yet been set.

If Tisha Gibson is apprehended, she will face similar capital murder charges. Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will seek the death penalty.

A Life Taken Too Soon

As the legal process unfolds, those who loved Harvey Walker Jr. are left to grieve. Friends describe a man who enjoyed spending time with his children, watching sports, and being active in his Columbus neighborhood. He worked in the local trades and was known as someone who could fix almost anything.

“He wasn’t perfect, but he was real. And he was loved,” a close friend said. “We’re going to make sure his kids know exactly who their father was — a good man taken in a bad moment. We won’t let his memory die.”

Conclusion: Justice for Harvey Walker Jr.

The killing of Harvey Walker Jr. inside a Phenix City hotel room is a tragedy compounded by the complexity of multiple suspects, a manhunt, and serious charges. As police work to bring all responsible parties to justice, the community mourns a life cut short at just 36 years old.

For now, the Colonial Inn stands as a somber landmark of violence. But for the family and friends of Harvey Lee Walker Jr. , the fight is just beginning — for answers, for accountability, and for a measure of peace.