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 that a person had been shot at a residence located at 502 SW Journey Court. Deputies arrived within minutes and discovered an adult female suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. She was later identified as 27-year-old Tina Farmer.
Witness information gathered at the scene allowed 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 alert for residents in the surrounding area. The notification was shared through the sheriff’s office social media channels and by Columbia County Emergency Management Services.
Due to the size of the search area and difficult weather conditions, 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 teams, SWAT units, and drone operators.
Using aerial surveillance and tactical resources, law enforcement was able to narrow down the suspect’s location. Shortly after 7:00 p.m., CCSO drone and SWAT teams located the suspect deceased in a wooded area. Authorities confirmed that family members were notified before the information was released publicly.
The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Tyndale M. Mullins, who was described as a cousin of the victim. Investigators stated that Mullins was a graduate of Columbia High School’s Class of 2025. Officials noted that the investigation remains active as detectives continue working to determine the circumstances that led up to the shooting.
Law enforcement has confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Additional information is expected to be released as investigators continue to piece together the events surrounding the fatal incident.
