Columbus State University professor shot, killed by roommate who thought she was an intruder

Written by: A. Smith

Published October 15, 2025 @ 10:15 AM ET

MUSCOGEE COUNTY, Ga. – A Columbus State University professor was killed early Monday in what authorities say was an accidental shooting.

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the victim as Erica Anderson, 31, a lecturer in costume design who had just joined the university’s Department of Theatre & Dance this fall.

Bryan told WTVM that Anderson had returned home around midnight after visiting her husband and children in Indianapolis. She was renting a room in a Columbus home and living with a roommate.

According to Bryan, the roommate had been on high alert after receiving repeated terroristic threats from her son, including threats to harm her and burn down her house. When she heard a noise in the home early Monday, she fired a gun, striking Anderson.

Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Before coming to Columbus State, Anderson taught costume design at Southern Utah University and the University of Florida. She also worked for several regional theaters and opera companies, including the Sarasota Opera and Indiana Repertory Theatre, according to the university.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends, as well as the students she impacted,” Columbus State President Stuart Rayfield said in a statement.

Anderson’s family said in a GoFundMe established to help with funeral arrangments that her husband is undergoing cancer treatment.

“She was so passionate about her work and her students, and she was truly excited about building her future with the university community she had already come to love,” her family wrote.

Anderson is survived by her husband and three children, who live in Indianapolis.