Police search for dangerous murder suspect

COLUMBUS – Police say a suspect in one of two Memorial Day weekend homicides is still at large and should be considered “armed and dangerous.”

Michael Javon Merchant, whose last known address was on Woodrow Avenue, was traveling in the same vehicle with Dante Aaron Goodman in the 1200 block of E. 16th Avenue at approximately 2:17 a.m. when, for unknown reasons, Merchant, 26, shot Goodman, 25, who was found lying on the street by police officers and pronounced dead the scene by fire personnel, Homicide Unit third shift supervisor Sgt. Jeff Strayer said.

Merchant has been charged with murder and remains at large. Strayer says he should be considered armed and dangerous and anyone who knows of his whereabouts should call 911.

This is the 47th homicide of 2018 in Columbus.

A 20-year-old man is under arrest after police say he shot another man during an argument on the East Side early Saturday morning.

Kiez Dangelo Collins was fighting with Desean Rondel Bonet, at approximately 4:29 a.m., in the 1200 block of Wilson Avenue when Collins allegedly shot Bonet, 18, multiple times, Strayer said

Officers found Bonet lying in the street, unresponsive, and he was taken to Grant Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, Strayer said.

Collins, who lived nearby, was identified by detectives as a person of interest and after questioning was charged with murder, Strayer said.

The investigation continues.