Teenage Nigerian-American With Bright Future Shot Dead in Georgia, Family Cries Out for Justice

By Iyojo Ameh

The family of an 18-year-old Nigerian-American, Anthony Onochie, is demanding justice after the teenager was shot dead in Columbus, Georgia, United States, with authorities yet to make an arrest days after the incident.

Anthony, the twin son of Anayo and Donna Onochie, was reportedly killed during an altercation involving another teenager in the early hours of Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Authorities said he was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds on Lee Road 1-97 shortly after 1:30 a.m. and was rushed to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital, where he later died.

According to local television station WTVM, Anthony had only recently graduated from Northside High School with a 4.3 grade point average and was preparing to study finance at Georgia State University this August.

He was also widely regarded as a gifted football player with a promising future.

The shooting occurred just hours after Anthony and his family returned from a week-long vacation in Florida.

His twin brother, Andrew Onochie, described the loss as devastating and urged investigators to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the killing.

“We didn’t even get to send my brother off to college. I want the truth found out about my brother. I want the full truth. I want every aspect of the truth,” Andrew said.

Lamenting the prevalence of gun violence among young people, he added, “I don’t think boys in their 20s need guns.”

Andrew maintained that his brother was respectful, disciplined and had no links to criminal activity.

“My parents did not raise him like that. He’s Nigerian. He does not play,” he said, while calling for whoever was responsible to be held accountable.

Family friend, Dr. Okey Anueyiagu, also expressed sorrow over the killing, describing Anthony’s death as a tragic waste of a bright young life.

He said the teenager’s parents were heartbroken and warned that the growing incidence of gun violence in the United States continues to claim the lives of promising young people.
“I am gravely perturbed that the life of such a promising young boy was so carelessly cut short,” Anueyiagu wrote in a social media post, while calling for stronger measures to tackle gun violence.

As of Tuesday, investigators had not announced any arrest in connection with the shooting. Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding Anthony’s death are ongoing.