Contina Robinson, a 52-year-old woman from Phenix City, Alabama, was fatally shot on Sunday night, February 15, 2026, in what authorities have confirmed as the city’s first homicide of the year. The shooting occurred around 10:55 p.m. in the 100 block of 17th Avenue South, a residential area in the city’s south side. Officers from the Phenix City Police Department, along with fire crews and CARE Ambulance medics, responded to multiple emergency calls reporting gunfire at the location.
Upon arrival, first responders found Robinson suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at 11:49 p.m. by Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. Her body was transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation. The scene was secured for several hours as detectives collected evidence and interviewed potential witnesses.
Authorities quickly identified a suspect in the case. Willie James Davis, 51, was arrested in connection with the shooting and booked into the Russell County Jail at 4:43 a.m. on Monday, February 16. He has been charged with murder and is currently being held without bond. Investigators have not released details about the motive or the nature of the relationship between Davis and Robinson, though they confirmed the shooting followed a disturbance at the residence.
The home at 103 17th Avenue South, where the shooting took place, is located in a quiet neighborhood not far from the Chattahoochee River. Residents expressed shock and sadness over the violence, noting that the area is typically peaceful. The incident has reignited concerns about domestic violence and the need for community-based interventions to prevent such tragedies.
Robinson was remembered by neighbors and acquaintances as a kind and soft-spoken woman. Her death has left a void in the community, with many expressing grief and disbelief. Friends and family have begun organizing vigils and memorials to honor her memory and support one another through the loss. The tragedy has also prompted renewed calls for mental health resources and conflict resolution programs in the area.
As the investigation continues, the Phenix City Police Department is urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The case remains active, and authorities are working to piece together the events that led to Robinson’s death. Her killing marks a somber beginning to the year for Phenix City, underscoring the urgent need for continued efforts to address violence and support vulnerable individuals in the community.
