COLUMBUS, Ohio — A tragic shooting at Mock Park on Wednesday night has led to the arrest of a 19-year-old man charged with murder, after an 18-year-old woman lost her life and another woman sustained injuries.
The Columbus Division of Police reported that the incident occurred around 9:40 p.m., prompting immediate emergency response. Witnesses heard gunfire and saw a vehicle speeding away from the scene, marking a night of violence that left the community in shock.
Authorities located the vehicle involved in the shooting at the intersection of Joyce and Minnesota avenues shortly after the incident. Inside were two women suffering from gunshot wounds. One of them, identified as Au’Jai Davenport, was rushed to Grant Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead approximately thirty minutes later. The second woman was taken to Riverside Methodist Hospital, and her condition was later reported to be stable.
As investigations unfolded, detectives utilized cellphone data and surveillance footage to piece together the events of that fateful night. Their efforts led them to Carson King, a Columbus resident, who emerged as a primary suspect. According to court documents, King has been directly linked to the gunfire that resulted in Davenport’s death and the injury of the second victim.
Community members have expressed their sorrow over the incident, emphasizing a growing concern about safety in local parks and public spaces. “It’s heartbreaking to see such violence in our neighborhoods,” said a nearby resident. “We need to come together to ensure our parks are safe for everyone.”
King is currently scheduled to make his first court appearance on Saturday, facing serious charges that could lead to significant legal consequences. As the investigation continues, the Columbus community is left mourning a young life lost and hoping for healing for the injured.
Authorities have urged anyone with additional information regarding the shooting to come forward as they work diligently to bring justice for the victims. The impact of this tragedy will likely resonate within the community for some time, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions about safety and crime prevention initiatives.