By GINNY COOPER MCCARLEY / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA—The Columbiana Police are currently investigating a homicide that occurred in the city of Columbiana on July 4, Police Chief Lamar Vick said.

The body was discovered at approximately 11 a.m. in a home on the 100 block of Looney Road, Vick said.

The victim was identified as Johnny Lee Patterson, Sr. of Columbiana, according to Shelby County Coroner Diana New. Patterson was a resident of Columbiana, but did not live in the place where he was found, New said. An autopsy will be performed on July 8.

Two men are currently in the Shelby County Jail on unrelated charges or considered to be “persons of interest” in the case, according to Vick. The names of the suspects are being withheld pending any formal charges.

“Currently, the Columbiana Police Department is following up on all leads and continuing the investigation,” Vick said.