Suspect arrested, charged with murder after Columbus student was shot dead on way home

An arrest has been made in the Thursday shooting death of a 15-year-old student in east Columbus, according to the Columbus Police Department.

Police said Roannil Clanton was taken into custody and charged with murder in the shooting death of Earkavion Lee, which occurred Thursday afternoon in the 2300 block of Watson Drive. Clanton will also be charged with six counts of aggravated assault, according to police.

"Clanton was arrested with the assistance of multiple agencies to include CPD, the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms," Columbus police said in a news release Friday. "We would like to thank each of these agencies for their assistance in apprehending Clanton."

Earkavion was a student at Kendrick High School, according to the Muscogee County School District. Coroner Buddy Bryan told the Ledger-Enquirer Earkavion was getting off a school bus and was on his way home when he was shot.

MCSD officials said they're mourning the loss of one of their students .

Clanton is scheduled to appear in Recorder's Court at 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to police.

Police said more arrests were pending. Anyone with information regarding this case can contact Sgt. R. Nicholas at 706-225-4363.