COLUMBUS – Police have charged a Northeast Side man with aggravated murder in the shooting death of a man on the Hilltop early Wednesday morning.
Harry Lee Lathon Jr., whose last known address was given as Minnesota Avenue, was accused of killing Jason Collins and injuring Collins’ brother during an apparent home invasion in the 100 block of N. Harris Avenue at approximately 2:07 a.m., Sgt. Jeff Strayer of the Homicide Unit said.
Officers called to the home on the report of a double shooting found Jason Collins, 32, and Joseph Collins Jr., 35, inside the house, both suffering from gunshot wounds, Strayer said.
Jason Collins was pronounced dead at the scene while Joseph Collins was taken to Mt. Carmel West Hospital in serious but stable condition, Strayer said.
Investigators say Lathon, 23, forcibly entered the home before shooting the men and was seen driving away in a late-model White Honda Odyssey, Strayer said. Strayer says Lathon’s whereabouts are unknown and he should be considered armed and dangerous.
The investigation continues.
This is the 131st homicide in Columbus in 2017 and the fifth in four days.
Anyone with information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of Harry Lathon is asked to call the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS.