Law enforcement officials in Columbia County have confirmed that a homicide suspect was found deceased Saturday evening following an extensive multi-agency manhunt in Lake City, Florida.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), deputies were dispatched at approximately 4:07 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, after a 911 call reported a person had been shot at a residence located at 502 SW Journey Court. Deputies arrived within minutes and discovered an adult female victim who had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. She was later identified as 27-year-old Tina Farmer.
Information provided by witnesses at the scene enabled deputies to quickly identify a suspect and establish a perimeter around a nearby wooded area. Because the suspect was believed to still be armed, CCSO issued a shelter-in-place notification to area residents. The alert was disseminated through the sheriff’s office Facebook page and by Columbia County Emergency Management Services.
Due to challenging weather conditions and the size of the search area, CCSO requested assistance from multiple agencies. Support was provided by the Lake City Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office. The coordinated response included K-9 units, SWAT teams, and drone operators.
Using aerial surveillance and tactical resources, law enforcement was able to pinpoint the suspect’s location. Shortly after 7:00 p.m., CCSO drone and SWAT teams located the deceased suspect in the woods. Authorities confirmed that all family members had been notified at the time of the announcement.
The suspect was later identified as 19-year-old Tyndale M. Mullins, a cousin of the victim. Investigators stated that Mullins was a graduate of Columbia High School’s Class of 2025. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that the circumstances leading up to the shooting are still being examined.
Law enforcement has indicated that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Additional details will be released as investigators continue working to determine the events that led to the fatal incident.
