COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the man accused of murdering a woman who was found in a ditch appeared in Recorder’s Court.
40-year-old Bryant Butler appeared in front of Chief Recorder’s Court Judge David Ranieri.
Butler’s public defender Bentley Adams entered a not guilty plea on Butler’s behalf to charges of murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
A Columbus Police Sergeant testified that the victim, 35-year-old Shacoya Baker, was found with gunshot wounds to the back of the head. Statements provided by neighbors were verified by camera footage of the scene, according to investigators. Testimony was given based off of the audio contained within the footage.
Investigators say the victim can be heard arguing followed by two to three gunshots and then rapid gunfire. Police were made aware of a message sent from Bryant stating the victim had been killed.
For hours, police worked to get Bryant to come out of his home. Due to Bryant being uncooperative , SWAT was requested, according to testimony.