COLUMBUS – A random street killing and an apparent murder-suicide have raised the number of homicides in Columbus this year to 129.
Meanwhile, police have charged a 14-year-old with murder in the death of another teen who was shot in a car on I-270 on the West Side in August.
Police say a woman was shot while she and her boyfriend were driving on a street in Olde Towne East early Sunday and officers found the bodies of a man and woman inside a North Side apartment a few hours later, victims of an apparent murder-suicide.
Officers went to a home on Pine Street West at 9:30 a.m. Sunday after family members said they were concerned about the welfare of 53-year-old Kimberly Thomas, who had not answered the door or her telephone, Sgt. James Marable of the Homicide Unit said.
The officers found Thomas and a man, who were both pronounced dead by Westerville Fire Division paramedics less than an hour later.
UPDATE 10/22/20 8:45 a.m.: Police released the name of the man who committed suicide in this incident
The preliminary investigation indicates that Romie Ziegler, 54,, shot Thomas before taking his own life, Marable said.
A man called police from a gas station at 825 E. Broad Street at 2:15 a.m. Sunday to report that he and his girlfriend were shot at by the occupants of a black SUV and he drove to the gas station to get help, Sgt. Eric Pilya said.
Officers found the 25-year-old woman, whose name was not released, inside the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
There was no further information regarding suspects early Monday.
Murder charges were filed Friday against a 14-year-old boy in connection with the death of a 16-year-old who was shot while in a car on I-270 on the West Side in August and died nearly a month later, Sgt. David Shimberg of the Homicide unit said.
The 16-year-old and a 17-year-old boy were driving on I-270 at Hall Road on August 13 when someone shot at their vehicle. Both victims were shot and taken to area hospitals and the younger teen died on Sept. 4, police said.