Columbus officer involved in fatal shooting fired

A Columbus police officer involved in a fatal shooting earlier this month was fired Friday.

Canyon Boykin, one of three officers placed on leave following an Oct. 16 traffic stop that authorities said ended in the fatal shooting of Ricky Ball, was terminated Friday by the Columbus City Council, according to Columbus Mayor Robert Smith.

Boykin turned in his resignation Thursday, Smith said. However, the council voted 5-1 to relieve Boykin of his duties, Smith said. Ward 6 Councilman Bill Gavin was the sole dissenting vote.

Smith said Boykin was terminated for three reasons. First, Smith said, Boykin did not turn his body camera or recorder on prior to the shooting. Secondly, Boykin violated the city's social media policy after the shooting and third, Boykin's girlfriend was riding in the police car without permission from Boykin's supervisors.

The council also voted to suspend two other officers involved in the incident, Johnny Branch and Yolanda Young, for 30 working days without pay, Smith said. The vote was unanimous.

Once they return to work, Branch and Young will be on probation for six months. They must also undergo remedial training, Smith said.

Smith said he felt the officers' punishment would alleviate tension within the city. 
"I told the community to be patient and not rush to judgement," he said. "I told them we were going to be transparent. I feel strongly about it being best for the community."

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is handing the investigation. While MBI hasn't commented on the details of the investigation, CPD officials said earlier this week that a stolen handgun and "suspected drugs" were found "within and arm's reach" of Ball.

MBI spokesperson Warren Strain said Boykin's firing was a "departmental" issue. The investigation is ongoing, he said.

Contact Sarah Fowler at sfowler@gannett.com or (601) 961-7303. Follow @FowlerSarah on Twitter.