Aniyah Elie, a 17-year-old girl from Columbus, OH, tragically passed away on October 16, 2022. Aniyah was a recent graduate of Focus North High School, where she had graduated early and placed in the top third of her class. She had been accepted into Columbus State and was set to begin her journey with Job Corps. At the time of her death, Aniyah was employed at Kroger.
Aniyah's death was the result of a fatal shooting.
According to court records, Aniyah got into an altercation with another girl at a Kroger grocery store located at 1350 North High Street. After leaving the store, the two girls met up again at the intersection of North 4th Street and East 11th Avenue. During this encounter, Aniyah ran up to the passenger window of the other girl's vehicle and was immediately shot. She managed to run back to her car and was taken to Nationwide Children's Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The suspect in Aniyah's murder, 19-year-old Kyrique Camper, was arrested and charged with one count each of murder and criminal mischief. Camper was taken into custody on October 27, 2022, and was seen in security video footage getting into the vehicle with the girl who was originally fighting Aniyah minutes before the shooting. A witness from within the suspect's vehicle told police that Camper was the one who fired the deadly shot.
Aniyah's death marked the 114th homicide in Columbus for the year 2022. The case drew significant attention from local law enforcement and the community, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in the area. Camper was scheduled to appear in Franklin County Municipal Court, and the investigation continued to unfold as authorities worked to bring justice for Aniyah and her family.
Aniyah is survived by her mother, Alicia Elie, her father, Jamie Myles, her stepfathers, Jeffrey Brown and Eudoris Blair, her sister Aaliyah Elie, and numerous other family members and friends. The community mourned the loss of a young life full of potential and promise, and many came together to support Aniyah's family during this difficult time.
